Understanding Climate!

Letter from USGS Acting Director Suzette M. Kimball

“Understanding Climate” is the theme of the 12th annual Earth Science Week, October 11-17, 2009. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is proud to partner with the American Geological Institute and its member societies in sponsoring this annual international event. As climate change is a significant environmental and public policy issue, understanding essential principles of climate science will help inform the ensuing discussions. Moreover, as our climate science progresses and our collective efforts to learn more about the climate system advance, public understanding will also need to grow. The USGS is uniquely positioned to demonstrate how our science is contributing to a better understanding of the components of the climate system. Toolkits prepared by the American Geological Institute include USGS products, such as carbon sequestration and phenology fact sheets, bookmarks and postcards, along with hands-on activities, an educational calendar, posters, and other interesting items from several contributors. Of particular note, the kit contains the new Climate Literacy and Earth Science Literacy brochures, projects to which USGS contributed. We invite you to explore the Earth Science Week Web site and learn about special activities in your state.

Learn more at http://www.earthsciweek.org/

Suzette M. Kimball
Acting Director