Federal Resilience Programs: National Centers for Environmental Information | Article

To understand how our planet’s climate is changing, scientists and decision makers need accurate, science-based climate change indicators like temperature, sea level, and snow cover from around the world. These indicators can help inform climate resilience and adaptation efforts.

Federal programs, such as the National Centers for Environmental Information, can help make communities more resilient to climate change impacts and other environmental threats.

What is the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)?

The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) is one of the largest archives of environmental data in the world, containing atmospheric, coastal, geophysical, and oceanic data. NCEI was established in 2015 when three pre-existing data centers under the umbrella of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—the National Climatic Data Center, the National Geophysical Data Center, and the National Oceanographic Data Center —were combined under a new name. NCEI’s mission is to provide data to support NOAA’s projects and inform decision-making across the government, academia, and private sectors. NCEI also develops tools and services that allow researchers to analyze and use the data contained in the archives.

How does NCEI relate to climate adaptation and resilience?

NCEI data is used by decision makers and communities to better understand climate risks. NCEI releases monthly and annual climate reports tracking current environmental conditions and providing historical data to compare climate trends over time. From drought reports to hurricane satellite s, NCEI also provides information about natural disasters. The information provided by NCEI can help decision makers and communities prepare for climate hazards and inform adaptation projects. NCEI also works directly with communities at the local, state, and regional levels through its Regional Climate Centers (RCC). RCCs, stationed at six universities around the United States, act as local hubs for climate monitoring and education. RCCs engage with stakeholders like farmers, city planners, and the media to better understand local climate-related issues, which can bolster regional climate resilience.

How does NCEI work?

NCEI’s archives contain data gathered by NOAA scientists, as well as other government and research organizations around the world. NCEI has online discovery tools that allow researchers to search for specific NOAA data on topics like climate and weather. In addition, NCEI releases periodic reports on environmental conditions, including weekly U.S. Drought Monitor updates and the Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters report tracking disasters that have caused at least $1 billion in damage.

NCEI in Action

C limate change is increasing the severity and frequency of droughts, which threatens local communities and livelihoods. NCEI’s weekly U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) map helps communities better understand and prepare for droughts. The USDM uses information like soil measurements along with climate and hydrological data to determine which areas of the United States are experiencing drought.

The USDM is used by a variety of stakeholders. For example, farmers and ranchers use the USDM to understand the drought conditions they face and better manage their resources. If drought reduces the amount of pasture available, ranchers might need to adjust their operations by supplementing their cattle’s diet. The USDM is also used by government agencies and policymakers to inform decision-making. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Livestock Forage Disaster Program uses NCEI data to assist farmers who are most affected by drought.

What is the outcome of NCEI?

NCEI data are used by stakeholders to make more informed decisions. For example, NCEI precipitation and temperature data are used by corn farmers in the United States to optimize the deployment of fertilizers, saving the industry approximately $4 billion annually. NCEI also releases an annual State of the Climate report. The latest report found that 2020 broke several climate-related records, including the highest global sea level and ocean temperatures in recorded history.

What is the current state of NCEI?

For Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, NOAA requested $88 million for NCEI, representing a $23 million increase from FY 2021 enacted levels. The increased funding, according to NOAA, would be used to help expand climate-related work, including improving local, state, and regional climate services. The budget justification states that NCEI directly supports Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, and Executive Order 13990, Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis.

Author: Isabella Eclipse