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Analysis of nature-related themes and terminology in U.S. climate assessments

Author

Listed:
  • Emerson Conrad-Rooney

    (Boston University)

  • Christopher Avery

    (ICF)

  • Gillian Bowser

    (Colorado State University)

  • Allison Crimmins

    (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

  • Aaron Grade

    (ICF)

  • Pamela McElwee

    (Rutgers University)

  • Pamela Templer

    (Boston University)

Abstract

“Nature” is a broad term with neither a standard definition nor consistent use, even across federal reports like the National Climate Assessment (NCA). The process of defining complex topics like “nature” is difficult given the broad range in people’s understandings of and relationships with the natural world. To support the development of future nature assessments and NCAs, we analyzed use of nature-related words and themes over time in all five published NCAs and one preliminary draft of NCA5. Overall, despite the prevalence of nature-related topics, we found the term “nature” was not used as much as others like “ecosystems,” though “nature-based solutions” appeared more in the latest NCA (NCA5) compared to earlier NCAs. Additionally, the scope of nature-related chapters in NCAs has evolved from initially focusing on impacts of climate change on ecosystems and ecosystem services towards highlighting solutions that nature can provide and implications for human well-being and environmental justice. We suggest improving the consistency of nature-related terms and topics within future climate and nature assessments to help promote dialogues across disciplines, reports, and assessment chapters, allowing researchers to better tackle multifaceted issues of global change. However, broad standardization of nature-related language may unnecessarily constrict the diverse understandings of nature. Definitions of nature-related terms should be revisited and adapted based on changing views and realities as global changes evolve.

Suggested Citation

  • Emerson Conrad-Rooney & Christopher Avery & Gillian Bowser & Allison Crimmins & Aaron Grade & Pamela McElwee & Pamela Templer, 2025. "Analysis of nature-related themes and terminology in U.S. climate assessments," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 178(4), pages 1-21, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:178:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s10584-025-03899-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-025-03899-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Willi Bauer, 2023. "Reframing Urban Nature-Based Solutions Through Perspectives of Environmental Justice and Privilege," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(1), pages 334-345.
    2. Eric K. Chu & Gillian Bowser & Abby G. Frazier & Alyssa Quintyne & Linda Shi & Pamela McElwee, 2025. "Broadening diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in the process and development of climate assessments," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 178(4), pages 1-11, April.
    3. Unai Pascual & Patricia Balvanera & Christopher B. Anderson & Rebecca Chaplin-Kramer & Michael Christie & David González-Jiménez & Adrian Martin & Christopher M. Raymond & Mette Termansen & Arild Vatn, 2023. "Diverse values of nature for sustainability," Nature, Nature, vol. 620(7975), pages 813-823, August.
    4. Willi Bauer, 2023. "Reframing Urban Nature-Based Solutions Through Perspectives of Environmental Justice and Privilege," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(1), pages 334-345.
    5. Tadaki, Marc & Allen, Will & Sinner, Jim, 2015. "Revealing ecological processes or imposing social rationalities? The politics of bounding and measuring ecosystem services," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 168-176.
    6. Christopher W. Avery & Allison R. Crimmins & Allyza R. Lustig & April D. Lamb & Isabel J. Fuller & Ciara Lemery & Aaron Grade & Daniel Barrie, 2025. "Navigating complex waters: Designing a process for the development of the National Climate Assessment," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 178(3), pages 1-24, March.
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