The US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) has announced the selection of authors for the US’ first-ever National Nature Assessment (NNA1). USGCRP also produces the US’ National Climate Assessments, the fifth edition of which is now available in Spanish.

On 19 April 2024, US President Joe Biden signed a Proclamation on National Park Week 2024, announcing the launch of NNA1, “to help evaluate the status of our lands, waters, and wildlife.”

The team of NNA1 authors, announced on 22 April 2024, is made up of more than 150 experts selected by the 11 NNA1 chapter leads in consultation with federal leadership, based also on a public call for nominations. 

The authors come from US universities, federal and state government, national laboratories, businesses, and non-profits. They bring a wealth of expertise and experience in ecology, health, economics, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), urban systems, environmental justice, and agriculture, among other fields. The team also includes holders of Indigenous knowledge that reflects local experiences with nature.

NNA1 will take stock of US lands, waters, wildlife, and the benefits they provide to the country’s economy, health, climate, environmental justice, and national security. The Assessment will also reflect on how nature might change in the future and on how those changes might affect US economy and people’s lives.

“The NNA will take a critical look at who is – and who isn’t – benefiting from nature or suffering the consequences of nature loss,” said NNA Director Phil Levin in a blog, published on the occasion of the 2024 Earth Day. Noting that the report will “identify opportunities for nature to help us achieve our societal and economic goals,” he said the Assessment will serve as a tool for governments, businesses, communities, and leaders across sectors to support decision making on safeguarding nature and on “how to work with nature to… [ensure] a stable climate, robust health, and plentiful opportunity for every person.”

The Assessment is currently in the early stages of development. It is anticipated to be released in 2026. The NNA1 team will provide public engagement opportunities to ensure “the report answers questions that are important to every American’s life, and is informed by the best available evidence.”

Also on 22 April, USGCRP announced that all chapters of the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5), published in November 2023, are now available in Spanish. On 14 May, USGCRP will host a Spanish-language webinar to showcase the NCA5 Spanish translation and to share opportunities for participation in the Sixth National Climate Assessment (NCA6), scheduled for release in late 2027. [USGCRP Announcement of Selection of NNA1 Authors] [USGCRP Announcement of NCA5 in Spanish]