PS 41-125 - Lessons learned from public engagement workshops for the Fifth National Climate Assessment

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PDT

Location: ESA Exhibit Hall

Presenting Author(s)

Aaron Grade

National Climate Assessment Staff Scientist
US Global Change Research Program / ICF
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Coauthor(s)

CA

Christopher Avery

National Climate Assessment Chief of Staff
US Global Change Research Program / ICF
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
AL

Allyza Lustig

Senior NCA Staff Manager
US Global Change Research Program / ICF
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
JH

Joshua Hernandez

NCA Staff Specialist
US Global Change Research Program / ICF
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
AC

Allison Crimmins

Director of the Fifth National Climate Assessment, USGCRP
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Abstract: The Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5), currently under development and expected for release later this year, evaluates the state of the science of global change and analyzes the effects of global change on regions and sectors of the United States. Public engagement is critical for ensuring that the assessment addresses the priorities and needs of decision-makers across the country and the American people as a whole.

In January and February 2022, the U.S. Global Change Research Program hosted 36 public engagement workshops to solicit input on the initial development of NCA5. The workshops attracted over 7,000 registrations by approximately 4,000 individuals from all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico, Guam, and others. Approximately 2,800 people participated via plenary discussions, break-out rooms, and through interactive collaborative tools. The workshops were influential in shaping the initial direction of report content, and offered the public an opportunity to better understand the assessment process.

This poster will report on the NCA5 public engagement workshop series. It will share the structure and framework of the workshops, as well as the outcomes and impacts of the effort. It will also share insights for increasing usability of scientific assessments and lessons learned on organizing public engagement workshops.