Congressional Research Service

Climate Change Adaptation Congressional Research Service

Climate change affects the mission and programs of the Department of Commerce (DOC) and its agencies, and these effects are likely to continue. DOC's wide-ranging responsibilities include trade enforcement, economic development, innovation support, entrepreneurship and business development, standard setting, environmental monitoring, weather forecasting, marine resources management, and statistical research and analysis. Congress has considered and may continue to consider how climate change may affect the mission and programs of DOC and its agencies. Climate change adaptation includes "adjustments to natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climate change, including increases in the frequency or severity of weather-related disasters."