David Corliss
While the science on climate and climate change is clear, public discussions are often contentious. The federal website Climate.gov, once an important source of data and analysis, has been closed. In response, an independent coalition of researchers and other supporters have created a new website, Climate.us, to address the need for data and other resources to support climate research.
Led by former staff at Climate.gov and launched in September, Climate.us describes itself as “a nonprofit successor to Climate.gov, delivering climate data and information to promote public climate literacy and to equip people to turn knowledge into meaningful conversations and climate-conscious actions.” This makes the website a landing place for a wide variety of resources needed across the spectrum of statistical advocacy for the environment.
Climate.us is organized as a project from Multiplier, an independent 501(c)(3) serving as an accelerator for a healthy and sustainable world. (Be sure to check out Mutiplier’s other projects supporting organizations making a huge impact.) This organizational and operational structure supports the need for climate research that is independent, apolitical, and sustainable. By leveraging data, infographics, and other resources from independent climate research organizations, Climate.us is becoming a nexus for the data and tools needed to support Data4Good climate projects.
With so much critically important data at risk, a primary task at Climate.us is data rescue, preservation, and dissemination. One of the first to appear on the website is the fifth edition of the National Climate Assessment. This premier compilation and an analysis of climate change with the latest data and research, which was last updated in 2023, was maintained on Climate.gov. Many of the most important infographics have been collected in the atlas, a series of interactive, county-level maps with drill-down capability and supporting graphs.
Another important function of the National Climate Assessment is a list of top actions taken to address and mitigate climate change, providing practical, data-driven guidance for state and local governments and organizations. All these actions can be a starting point for Data for Good projects in your area, empowering climate advocacy at a local level.
Getting Involved
In opportunities this month, the ASA Section on Risk Analysis has announced its student paper competition for the 2026 Joint Statistical Meetings. It’s open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are members of the section. Data for Good opportunities include public health and environmental risks or any other research focused on risk analysis and mitigation. Winners will present their work at JSM 2026 in a session sponsored the Section on Risk Analysis. You can get all the details on the competition webpage. The deadline for submissions is November 15.
Another opportunity highlighted this month is a call for comments on US regulatory policies. These are posted by the Federal Register at Regulations.gov. Check out the What’s Trending section to see the latest opportunities for you to offer your input.
It’s a vital reminder that at the heart of all scientific advancement are the people who carry the work forward, even through adversity.
For the team at Climate.us, bringing back the National Climate Assessment is just the start. Projects underway include news, a climate tracker and dashboard, blogs, and information about upcoming events. You can register on the website to get the latest information, learn about new data product releases, and get connected to others in climate and environmental advocacy.
Since statistics is the one science every science uses, every team and project whose work is showcased on Climate.us is an opportunity for statisticians and data scientists to get involved.
Climate.us is another inspiring example of how scientists from all disciplines and areas of research have come together to address today’s challenges to preserve and even grow the data and analysis driving better outcomes for all people. It’s a vital reminder that at the heart of all scientific advancement are the people who carry the work forward, even through adversity.
Of all the tools employed in our shared mission to serve and care for others and our world through science, the most powerful resource we have is each other. While we could easily be overwhelmed by the barriers we face and lose heart, Data for Good advocates will steadfastly continue in our mission and history will remember this as the scientific community’s finest hour.
David Corliss
With a PhD in statistical astrophysics, David Corliss works as a data scientist in industry. He serves on the ASA Board as a Council of Chapters representative and is the founder of Peace-Work, a data for good nongovernmental organization.
This column is written for those interested in learning about the world of Data for Good, where statistical analysis is dedicated to good causes that benefit our lives, our communities, and our world. If you would like to know more or have ideas for articles, contact David Corliss.
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