Various: Eight scientific organizations have called for Congress and the next president to almost double research investments in weather prediction, climate research and monitoring in order to protect the country from climate change and natural disasters.

The proposed plan, which was sent as a document to the presidential campaigns of John McCain and Barack Obama, would cost the nation about $9 billion above the current $10 billion already allotted for fiscal years 2010-2014.

The groups include the American Meteorological Society and the American Geophysical Union.

"With more than a quarter of the U.S. gross national product sensitive to weather and climate, these events substantially impact our national health, safety, economy, environment, transportation systems, and military readiness," the document states.

The document stressed the need for more research in five areas:

• Observations. Fully fund the Earth observing system from satellite and ground-based instruments as recommended by the National Research Council.
• Computing. Greatly increase the computer power available for weather and climate research, predictions and related applications.
• Research and Modeling. Support a broad fundamental and applied research program in Earth sciences and related fields to advance present understanding of weather and climate and their impacts on society.
• Societal Relevance. Support education, training and communication efforts to use the observations, models and application tools for the maximum benefit of society.
• Leadership and Management. Implement effective leadership, management and evaluation approaches to ensure that these investments are done in the best interest of the nation.

Related Links
Making Climate Forecasting More Useful New York Times
More funding urged for climate research USA Today
Advice to the New Administration and Congress: Actions to Make our Nation Resilient to Severe Weather and Climate Change (official site)