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Climate Energy and Environment

Climate, energy, and environment covers the natural world and the public choices that affect it: the air and water people rely on, the land and wildlife around them, the weather and climate that shape daily life, and the power that runs the economy. Congress, federal agencies, states, tribes, courts, and local governments all share responsibility, and scientists supply much of the evidence they act on.

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October 9last updated

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All Articles on Climate Energy and Environment

Challenges Facing the Department of the Interior

The DOI has faced challenges in areas such as environmental policy, land management, tribal relations, resource extraction, and climate change.

41 Min Read

What the Department of the Interior Does

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is a Cabinet-level department of the federal government responsible for overseeing America's vast natural and cultural resources.…

22 Min Read

What the Department of Commerce Does

The Department of Commerce is charged with promoting economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development in the United States.

42 Min Read

What the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Does

NOAA efforts range from daily weather forecasts and storm warnings to climate monitoring, fisheries management, and marine conservation.

23 Min Read

Climate Predictions for the Next Decade

Our planet's climate is changing faster than at any point in modern history. As we look ahead to the next ten years, understanding these…

24 Min Read

What Do Precipitation Percentages in Weather Forecasts Actually Mean?

Precipitation percentages describe a chance of rain or snow. Their time window, expected amount and location explain what the forecast means for outdoor plans.

10 Min Read

Weather Watch vs. Warning: Key Differences Explained

How the National Weather Service uses a watch to mean dangerous weather is possible and a warning to mean it is happening, and what to do when each is issued.

32 Min Read

Understanding the Winter Storm Severity Classification System

The National Weather Service's Winter Storm Severity Index (WSSI) provides a way to understand not just if winter weather is coming, but how significant…

18 Min Read

Steps to Becoming a Certified Weather Spotter

Weather spotter training connects volunteers with the National Weather Service. Local enrollment, reporting instructions and safety shape how to participate.

15 Min Read

Sign Up to Receive Severe Weather Alerts

This guide explains how to sign up for weather alerts, which systems work best for different situations, and how to make sure you never…

32 Min Read