Research Professor and Stegner Fellow Heather Tanana was recently appointed to assist the U.S. Global Change Research Program in the creation of their 
quadrennial report. She will serve as an author for the “Water” chapter in the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5).
The National Climate Assessment analyzes the effects of global change on the natural environment, agriculture, energy production and use, land and water resources, transportation, human health and welfare, human social systems, and biological diversity. It also analyzes current trends in global change, both human-induced and natural, and projects major trends for the subsequent 25 to 100 years.
Tanana will use her expertise and experience in tribal communities, the environment, and public health to help craft the NCA5.
“I’m honored to join the NCA5 team,” Tanana said. “A lot of my work has focused on the water-related challenges that many tribes face, and which climate change has compounded. As part of the water chapter, I look forward to highlighting frontline communities, including tribes, to bring attention to these issues and help inform future decisions by the public and policymakers.”
Tanana and the rest of the “Water” chapter team will hold a nationwide public engagement workshop on February 9 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm MT. The workshop will allow members of the public an opportunity to discuss proposed key topics, identify priority issues relevant to the chapter, and share resources with the chapter authors.
The Fifth National Climate Assessment will be completed in 2023 and submitted to the President and Congress.