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The U.S. Global Change Research Program An Assessment of the FY 1991 Plans (1990) / Chapter Skim
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1. Reducing Uncertainties
Pages 13-15

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From page 13...
... The focus of the program with greatest initial emphasis given, in order of priority, to climate and hydrologic systems, biogeochemistry, ecological systems, earth system history, and the human dimensions of global change with somewhat lesser emphasis on solid earth processes and solar lIlnUeIICeS IS in our view appropriate to achieve its stated goals. in making a heavy initial investment in a space-based observational system, the program lays the foundation for obtaining sustained, long-term measurements of certain of the vital signs of the earth; it also initiates a modern data and information system (EOSDIS)
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From page 14...
... The USGCRP does now and must continue to address issues broader than climate and deeper than the sometimes ephemeral concerns that readily attract public attention. The broader issues potentially include changes in the chemistry and quality of not only the atmosphere but also the soils and surface and subsurface waters and the oceans themselves; reductions in biodiversity from deforestation and other land use practices; and other responses of the earth system to extensive agriculture, industry, urbanization, land use alterations, the spread of anthropogenic pollutants, and other changes induced by humans.
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From page 15...
... PRINCIPAL RECOMMENDATIONS The panel endorses the general scientific priorities of the USGCRP and urges that they be kept flexible in ensuing years. ~ maintain the required program flexibility and to ensure its appropriate direction, we urge that the USGCRP be reviewed at frequent intervals by scientists who are sufficiently detached from the agencies that implement the program to render impartial judgements.
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Key Terms

  • global environment
  • rest ultimately
  • heavy initial
  • greenhouse warming
  • broader issues

  • organized research
  • issues potentially
  • unanticipated concerns
  • significant issues
  • reducing uncertainties

  • human dimensions
  • anticipated greenhouse
  • priorities identified
  • stated goals
  • initial investment

  • added concern
  • lesser emphasis
  • oceans themselves
  • readily attract
  • kept flexible

  • tropical deforestation
  • program lays
  • policy concern
  • anthropogenic pollutants
  • modern data

  • environmental change
  • potentially include
  • earth processes
  • view appropriate
  • public attention


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