The U.S. Interior Department today announced that it is seeking nominations by Thursday, Jan. 4 for authors and scientific/technical inputs for the inaugural National Nature Assessment, which will assess the status, observed trends, and future projections of America’s lands, waters, wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems and the benefits they provide, including connections to the economy, public health, equity, climate mitigation and adaptation, and national security (scientific/technical inputs will be accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the development of the Assessment).
Author nominees may be invited to serve as Chapter Lead Authors, Authors, or Technical Contributors to the Assessment. Chapter Lead Authors will, with input and guidance from the Federal Steering Committee, establish author teams comprising Federal and non-Federal experts.
Nominations are sought for authors with pertinent subject matter expertise or relevant background, including Indigenous Knowledge holders, in at least one of the following topics:
- Ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, and other conservation-relevant biophysical sciences, including those with expertise in the status and trends in biodiversity and ecosystems (including nutrients), culturally important species, and climate adaptation and mitigation
- Environmental social science including those with expertise in anthropology, sociology, geography, political science, psychology, and environmental history
- Changes in nature as they relate to aspects of domestic safety and security, including natural hazards, desertification, changes in populations of pests and disease, loss of arable land, and other changes in nature that affect food and water security, and that directly or indirectly influence public safety and patterns of human behavior and movements
- Connections between nature and human health and well-being, including physical, mental, and public health and well-being
- Drivers of change in biodiversity and ecosystems
- Economic activities, infrastructure, and employment that are directly or indirectly related to nature, including how changes in nature affect economic benefits, risks, and opportunities
- Environmental justice and equity, including but not limited to topics such as access to nature and the benefits of nature, disproportionate impacts of environmental hazards, and equitable access to nature-based solutions
- Data visualization and scientific graphics
