The third National Climate Assessment report, released by the National Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee, concludes that the effects of climate change are evident and primarily caused by human activity. Among the report’s contributors are two Arizona State University faculty and senior sustainability scientists – Nancy Grimm and Michael Kuby – who were lead authors on three chapters. In addition, Hallie Eakin, an associate professor in ASU’s School of Sustainability, was a reviewer on the project.

Overall, the report includes 30 chapters covering climate change and its effects on a wide range of industries, activities and eight regions of the U.S. It demonstrates that how we adapt to these effects will go a long way in determining our future on Earth. Additionally, human-induced climate change is projected to accelerate significantly if emissions of heat trapping gasses continue to increase, threatening human health and well-being in many ways. The report, which included the input of nearly 300 authors and was overseen by a 60-member federal advisory committee, is the most comprehensive assessment of the science and effects of climate change in the U.S.