Climate at the National Academies

Farmers are on the front lines of climate change—grappling with dwindling water resources, tougher growing conditions, and mounting economic pressures. But smarter, evidence-based approaches are helping build resilience across the food system. 🌱 Learn how: www.nationalacademies.org/news/2025/07...

#NativePlants are more than beautiful—they’re resilient, functional, and rooted in place. They help ecosystems thrive and support birds, bees & butterflies.🐦🐝 🦋

As climate shifts, they’re a tool for sustainability. #PollinatorWeek

Read more: buff.ly/513ZDIR

The Importance of Native Seeds Native seeds are key to restoring healthy ecosystems. They have evolved to thrive in their local environments, which is vital for biodiversity and for restoring damaged lands from wildfire or other habitat disruptions, like road construction.

Here’s the Problem: After wildfires, for example, agencies may need up to 7 million pounds of seeds, far outpacing existing supply. The challenge is that the supply chain starts with wild populations of native plants, which are themselves increasingly scarce. Increasing supply takes time, as seeds are first collected from wild plants and then grown in managed fields by suppliers. Producers face challenges like unpredictable demand and limited storage capacity, as well as high costs for starter seeds.

A Path Forward To address this, we need better partnerships and policies that support advanced planning so producers can grow seeds ahead of periods with high demand – allowing us to restore our ecosystems and support our pollinators.

What can you do to help? 1. Plant native seeds: Use digital tools to learn which plants are native to your area 2. Ask for native plants at your local nursery, and avoid seed packets that do not list the origin or species. 3. Volunteer and support local groups like botanical gardens, local restoration projects, and native plant centers.

Thanks @wearegonnafindout.bsky.social‬ great flag! Re-adding the images with alt-text

#NativeSeeds are key to ecosystem restoration—but demand far exceeds supply.

This #PollinatorWeek explore the benefits of native plants & the challenges of building a national seed supply in this Based on Science article: buff.ly/Bar9Lm6

Crossroads in Agriculture: Innovation, Resilience, and Opportunity Register for this event from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

🌿 In D.C. and passionate about ag?

Join us on June 26 to explore the future of U.S. farming—tech, soil, water, rural resilience, climate risks & bioeconomy—with top experts . Dig into science, policy & innovation.

Details:

#Pollinators like bees & birds play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems & securing global food supplies. This year we launched a study to assess trends in insect abundance, identify research priorities & suggest future actions. Read more: ow.ly/BnLM50Wa47w

It's National #PollinatorWeek!

Climate Conversations: Reducing and Removing Methane Emissions Register for this event from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Tomorrow at 12:30pm ET we're hosting a #ClimateConversations on reducing and removing #MethaneEmissions from the air we breathe.

🔗 Register now: events.nationalacademies.org/45131_06-202...

In a new statement, the National Academies presidents express concern about the dismissal of every member of the #CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (#ACIP), which could undermine science-based decision-making about #vaccines.

Read: buff.ly/TzlaKWX

Climate Conversations: Reducing and Removing Methane Emissions Register for this event from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

🌍 Join us for a #ClimateConversation on what approaches are available to reduce & remove #MethaneEmissions from the air.

Happening today 👇

The State of the Science Address 2025 Register for this event from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

On June 3, @nasonline.org President Marcia McNutt will explore the current status of the U.S. research enterprise and strategies for navigating a rapidly changing scientific landscape. #StateOfTheScience

Register now: buff.ly/HlUbMjs

Native Seeds: The Roots of Thriving Ecosystems Native seeds are essential for maintaining healthy local ecosystems, sustaining biodiversity, and supporting wildlife, though climate change presents new challenges for their use in restoration.…

Native seeds are the foundation of #biodiversity and #climateresilience — but we’re not producing enough. To meet growing restoration needs, we need stronger #nativeseed systems and community-led action. The future starts with the seeds we protect today. buff.ly/igIBI0g

#NativePlants provide the foundation for environments to support #pollinators, butterflies, birds, and other life above and below ground.

However, the supply of #NativeSeeds to restore and conserve ecosystems often falls short of demand.

Learn more: ow.ly/hyPJ50VY4n2

Happening today at 12:30 pm EST. Tune in 👇

YouTube video by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Why Consider Coral Interventions?

🌊 Existing strategies for managing #CoralReefs weren’t built with #ClimateChange in mind.

🎥 Watch this short video to learn why new approaches are needed & how a review emerging tools that are available to help protect the vital reef ecosystems. www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxVD...

Climate Conversations: Coral Reefs Register for this event from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

🌊Join us on May 16th at 12:30pm ET for a #ClimateConversations on how #ClimateChange is impacting #CoralReefs —and what research is doing to help protect these vital ecosystems.

🔗 Register now: events.nationalacademies.org/44984_05-202...

The National Academies Press | Considering Climate Interventions The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide expert advice on some of the most pressing challenges facing the nation and world. Our…

#ClimateIntervention strategies are intended to cool the Earth or remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. This resource summarizes key insights while building on calls for focusing on the complex interconnections and feedbacks between natural and social processes. buff.ly/mmSEbhA

Climate Conversations: Coral Reefs Register for this event from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

🌊 #CoralReefs face growing stress from warming, acidification & extreme weather—leading to more frequent bleaching & broader ecological impacts. Researchers are exploring how to preserve the reefs & make them more resilient.

🔗 Register for this #ClimateConversation to learn more:

Climate Conversations: Powering AI Register for this event from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Increasing investment in #AI is driving demand for #Electricity to power data centers.

Join us today for #ClimateConversations: Powering AI to explore the opportunities to decarbonize: buff.ly/WrCY7ov

Forum on Energy Systems Transformation and Decarbonization The transformation of the United States’ energy system provides unprecedented opportunities for leadership in innovation, economic growth, and decarbonization, but it will not be without significant challenges.

The U.S. #energy system is transforming—bringing big opportunities and big challenges. The National Academies is launching a new forum on #decarbonization, tech & policy. Nominate experts by May 1, 2025. buff.ly/hfj6JLn

Climate Conversations: Powering AI Register for this event from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Artificial intelligence is increasing demand for #Electricity, but the technology could help lower #Emissions.

Find out more on 4/28 on the upcoming National Academies #ClimateConversations about Powering AI. Register today:

Climate Conversations: The Future of Sports Join us for a post-Olympics discussion about the impact of climate change on sports. The conversation will include questions from the audience and will be re...

#ClimateChange is putting sports at risk. 🌍🔥 #ExtremeWeather & pollution threaten #AthleteHealth, performance & access. Experts highlight climate risks, health challenges & how sports must adapt to survive.

Watch: buff.ly/q0L8vyx

Why Indoor Chemistry Matters Workshop 5: Excessive Heat and the Indoor Environment Register for this event from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

How does #ExcessiveHeat affect indoor air quality and human health, especially for workers? Join the @nationalacademies.org workshop on 4/23 exploring the topic - register virtually or in-person!

Increasing investment in #AI is driving demand for #electricity to power #DataCenters.

Join us April 28 for a discussion about opportunities to decarbonize AI and learn how leaders in the field are navigating the uncertainty: buff.ly/4j7i31B

Today and every day, we work to support evidence-based policies for people and the planet.

#EarthDay reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect the planet we call home. At the @nationalacademies.org we work every day to advance science, policy, & community solutions that help ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.

Learn more about our work: buff.ly/klYhxF2

Climate Conversations: Extreme Heat You can sign up for our newsletter here: https://www.nationalacademies.org/topics/climateAbout this EventExtreme heat is often not taken as seriously as othe...

🔥 #ExtremeHeat kills more people in the U.S. than any other weather disaster — and it's getting worse. In a 2022 #ClimateConversations, experts talk risks, resilience & solutions. 🎙️🌍 Watch here:

For Applicants | Climate Crossroads Congressional Fellowship The 2025-2026 cohort will start their fellowship with a reception in September in Washington, DC, followed by a series of additional events to be held in-person during the following eight months.

📣 Congressional staffers: Apply now for the Climate Crossroads Congressional Fellowship! A 9-month, bipartisan program to deepen your climate literacy + science policy knowledge.

🗓️ Apply by April 30
📍 Open to Congress, CBO, CRS & GAO staff
🔗 Info: