U.S. policy memos
MAY 25, 2021: Commercial Aircraft Observations of Atmospheric Composition to Rapidly Improve Climate and Weather Analysis, Prediction and Response
Currently, the United States and the international community lack adequate observations of the composition of the atmosphere, including specific measurements of the greenhouse gases and aerosols that are critical drivers of climate that cannot be made by satellites alone. As demonstrated by a successful pilot in Europe, a program to operate atmospheric composition instruments on U.S. commercial aircraft could rapidly create a comprehensive greenhouse gas and aerosol monitoring system for North America, and improve satellite estimates of greenhouse gas sources and concentrations for the rest of the world.
MAY 25, 2021: Priority U.S. Investments in Aerial and Ocean Observation Systems for Extreme Weather Reconnaissance, Storm Prediction and Climate Research
With investment in a new generation of air and ocean surface observation capabilities in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), more frequent, timely, high-resolution local measurements can be combined with satellite observations and other data to dramatically improve climate and weather predictions and the ability to prepare for and respond to weather-related natural disasters.
MAY 25, 2021: Modernization of the Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Facilities to Improve Basic Science, Climate and Weather Prediction, and Risk Management
Established in the 1990’s, the DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program consists of a constellation of facilities designed to produce observations on clouds, atmospheric aerosols, and radiative forcing. Modernization and expansion of this program would address critical gaps in climate observation capabilities atet would advance cloud aerosol basic science, improve weather forecasts and earth system prediction and increase U.S. capacity for risk management in weather and climate.
MAY 25, 2021: Modernization of Airborne Science Platform for Research: Replacing the Legacy DC-8 Aircraft
Dramatic improvements in atmospheric science, climate research and public safety have been achieved through increased understanding of the atmosphere provided by sophisticated sensors on long-range platforms capable of reaching remote but critical regions for observing climate such as the Arctic and Southern Hemisphere, such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) DC-8 scientific research aircraft, These platforms are decades-old and near end-of-life. Without replacement, the US will lack the information required for essential science, climate and weather prediction and disaster response.