Pileus Project

In 1990, the Global Change Research Act mandated the preparation of (periodic) climate assessments of global change. In 1997, the Subcommittee on Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) initiated a national, scientific based assessment of the consequences of climate variability and change for the people, environment and the economy of the United States. This assessment was coordinated by the USGCRP and overseen by the National Science and Technology Council and the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

In 2002, the President announced the creation of the interagency Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) to coordinate and direct the U.S. research efforts in the area of climate change. In July 2003, CCSP's strategic plan was submitted to Congress.