The Earth System Science and Modeling Division (hereafter referred to as “ESSM”) sits under NOAA/OAR’s Climate Program Office (CPO). The ESSM’s mission is to advance scientific understanding of Earth’s atmosphere, ocean, land, and cryosphere as an integrated system and to improve NOAA’s climate and Earth system models and predictions from weeks to decades.
The ESSM Council is established to provide individual comments on ESSM science opportunities and strategies, through consultation and information exchange with ESSM. The Council generally meets twice a year (in person and via teleconferences) to permit its individual members to:
- Exchange information with ESSM on ESSM’s science accomplishments and contributions to NOAA’s missions;
- Discuss current and future capabilities of the climate and Earth system science and modeling community, and identify scientific trends, gaps, and opportunities for ESSM;
- Provide comments on strategic opportunities and effective ways to coordinate ESSM research programs with other CPO programs, NOAA labs and service centers, and the broader science community;
- Provide counsel on ESSM’s scope, balance and integration of its activities; recommend realignment of activities; and suggest entirely new activity areas, as appropriate, to satisfy the evolving requirements;
- Provide comments on outreach, communications, and management activities; and
- Exchange information with ESSM about national and international programs and activities.
At no time will the council provide consensus advice to NOAA. Its role will be strictly limited to exchanging information and creating a forum for the provision of individual advice.
Composition:
The Council is comprised of distinguished scientists from national and international climate and Earth system science and modeling community, both internal and external to NOAA.
Governance:
Members will be selected by the ESSM Division Chief and staff with formal invitation by CPO Director. The ESSM Council will consult with the ESSM Chief, CPO Director, and Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric (OAR) Deputy Assistant Administrator. A chair will be identified by ESSM in consultation with the ESSM council members.
Conflicts of Interest:
At no time will a Council member provide individual advice about an activity for which he/she receives ESSM funds.
Remuneration:
Council members shall not be compensated for their time spent on Council activities, but eligible members will be reimbursed for allowable travel and incidental costs associated with Council meetings and activities as permitted under 5 U.S.C. § 5703 et seq.