NNA1 East Lansing, MI Public Engagement Event

The US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) is undertaking the first-ever National Nature Assessment (NNA1), which takes stock of U.S. lands, waters, wildlife, biodiversity and the benefits they provide to our economy, health, cultures, climate, and equity . The Assessment will also look ahead to how nature might change in the future and what those changes may mean for our economy and our lives. The purpose of the NNA1 public engagements is to gather community input on the Zero-Order Draft (chapter annotated outlines). These engagement events will increase understanding of the NNA1 and will include a combination of information sharing, question-and-answer sessions, and breakout sessions for collaborative discussions. Attendees can expect a high-level overview of the NNA1 and real-time collaboration on Zero-Order Draft content.

Today, we have more information about nature than ever before. We also face an increasing need to put that evidence into practice as we respond to the accelerating crises of climate change, nature loss, and inequity. However, scattered, siloed, or incomplete information challenges our ability to answer key questions: What do the facts and data we have about nature amount to as a whole? What do they mean for decisions about our future and emerging risks? To address this need, the U.S. Global Change Research Program initiated the first-ever National Nature Assessment (NNA1). NNA1 will provide a holistic picture of the state of nature, the many changes that are underway, and how nature matters to our lives. We know our lands, waters, wildlife, and ecosystems contribute to our culture, economy, health, safety, climate, and much more. The assessment will allow us to better understand where we stand now and anticipate how nature and its benefits might change in the future. NNA1 will identify opportunities for nature to help us achieve our societal and economic goals and will be a vital tool for governments, businesses, communities, and leaders across sectors. NNA1 is expected to be completed in 2026. For more information and updates, subscribe to the newsletter or follow on social media.

The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) seeks public comments on the proposed themes and topics of the first National Nature Assessment. Input received on the proposed themes within each chapter's annotated outline will inform chapter author teams as they develop their draft chapters. All comments must be submitted via the USGCRP Review and Comment System (link forthcoming). Commenters will remain anonymous until the report is released in its final form, at which point they will be identified by name and their comments linked to the appropriate author responses.

Host or Publisher U.S. Global Change Research Program