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Centering environmental justice in United States (U.S.) National Climate Assessments (NCAs): a historical and contemporary analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Méndez

    (University of California)

  • Sameer H. Shah

    (University of Washington)

  • Cynthia Golembeski

    (The New School)

  • Louise Bedsworth

    (University of California)

  • J. Mijin Cha

    (University of California)

  • Leo Goldsmith

    (Yale University)

  • Tisha J. Holmes

    (Florida State University)

  • Julie Maldonado

    (Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN)
    University of California)

  • Beth Rose Middleton Manning

    (University of California)

  • Linda Estelí Méndez-Barrientos

    (University of Denver)

  • Megan Mills-Novoa

    (University of California
    University of California)

Abstract

Since 1990, the U.S. Global Change Research Program has published five cross-sectoral National Climate Assessment (NCA) reports. Federal, state, and local governments, policymakers, and the public employ NCAs to analyze climate risks, impacts, and adaptation and mitigation options. This article surveys the NCA landscape and makes the case for centering environmental justice (EJ) to inform actionable, relevant, and accessible climate change science and responses. Case studies of NCA1 through NCA5, released during the Clinton, Obama, Trump, and Biden presidential administrations, examine the roles of EJ, the conceptual integration of transdisciplinary research efforts, and data equity considerations. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to “center” EJ into climate assessments.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Méndez & Sameer H. Shah & Cynthia Golembeski & Louise Bedsworth & J. Mijin Cha & Leo Goldsmith & Tisha J. Holmes & Julie Maldonado & Beth Rose Middleton Manning & Linda Estelí Méndez-Barriento, 2025. "Centering environmental justice in United States (U.S.) National Climate Assessments (NCAs): a historical and contemporary analysis," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 178(5), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:178:y:2025:i:5:d:10.1007_s10584-025-03924-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-025-03924-5
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