Science, Policy and the U.S. Congress: Current Issues involving NASA, NOAA and Climate Change

Johannes Loschnigg

ABSTRACT: Issues related to Earth Science have been a hot topic for Congress the last few years. At NASA, the shift in direction for human space flight has created budgetary pressures that have affected NASA Earth Science. At NOAA, the substantial delays and cost over-runs of the NPOESS polar-orbiting weather satellite program have resulted in a lack of planned climate observations. At the same time, the level of "debate" over climate change science has, until recently, delayed serious action related to greenhouse gas emissions. Throw in some "muzzling" of NASA (and NOAA) scientists, an intimidating congressional investigation into the "hockey stick", and a vigorous debate on the link between hurricanes and climate change, and it makes for some interesting times. Dr. Loschnigg will discuss the role of science and policy in Congress as it relates to these issues.