Science News - October 27, 2004

What causes climate change?

The U.S. Climate Change Science Program’s report to Congress contains research highlights from climate-change studies sponsored by 13 federal agencies in areas ranging from aerosols to temperature trends and land-cover changes. This report stirred controversy in late August because some environmentalists and policy makers believe the report’s data demonstrate a change in the Bush Administration’s position. A disclaimer in the report states that none of the findings represents a policy change. Congress required this annual report as a supplement to the President’s budget, so it also contains research plans for fiscal years 2004 and 2005. Our Changing Planet: The U.S. Climate Change Science Program for Fiscal Years 2004 and 2005 is available at www.climatescience.gov.