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Where Does the Weather and Climate Enterprise Go From Here? August 2008. Presented by Joel M. Widder Lewis-Burke Associates LLC Washington, D.C. Federal Budget – The Big Picture. Federal Budget is $3.1 trillion Only 2% goes for non-defense R&D 60% is for entitlement programs
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Where Does the Weather and Climate Enterprise Go From Here?August 2008 Presented by Joel M. Widder Lewis-Burke Associates LLC Washington, D.C.
Federal Budget – The Big Picture • Federal Budget is $3.1 trillion • Only 2% goes for non-defense R&D • 60% is for entitlement programs • 22% is for defense • 8% is for paying interest on the debt • The deficit is thru the roof Think of the federal government as an insurance company with an army in deep debt
Competitiveness Homeland Security/National Defense Energy and Climate Change Advanced Networking and IT Nanotechnology Complex Biological Systems Environment: Oceans, Water, Observing Systems What are the Current Relevant Federal Priorities?
What About the Next Administration and Their Priorities? Budget environment will tight – but some issues will resonate including: • Economic Competitiveness • Climate Change • Earth Sciences • Observing Systems • Environmental Sciences All of these issues will get increased positive visibility. A new administration provides the time to move them up on the “to do” list.
Recommendations for the Weather and Climate Enterprise • New Administration – a “once in a decade” opportunity for the weather and climate enterprise – don’t let it pass by. “Infiltrate” the Administration’s policy making apparatus • Actively support and participate in the UCAR – AMS – et al transition white paper; • Energize the Weather Coalition; • Actively participate in alliances with other like minded or related organizations to influence Federal priorities and programs • Use the transition process to increase visibility with new and career federal agency policy makers – OMB, OSTP, new DOC leadership, etc.