establish, for the 10-year period beginning in the year the Plan is submitted, the goals and priorities for Federal global change research which most effectively advance scientific understanding of global change and provide usable information on which to base policy decisions relating to global change;

describe specific activities, including research activities, data collection and data analysis requirements, predictive modeling, participation in international research efforts, and information management, required to achieve such goals and priorities;

identify and address, as appropriate, relevant programs and activities of the Federal agencies and departments represented on the Committee that contribute to the Program;

set forth the role of each Federal agency and department in implementing the Plan;

consider and utilize, as appropriate, reports and studies conducted by Federal agencies and departments, the National Research Council, or other entities;

estimate, to the extent practicable, Federal funding for global change research activities to be conducted under the Plan.

Global measurements, establishing worldwide observations necessary to understand the physical, chemical, and biological processes responsible for changes in the Earth system on all relevant spatial and time scales.

Documentation of global change, including the development of mechanisms for recording changes that will actually occur in the Earth system over the coming decades.

Studies of earlier changes in the Earth system, using evidence from the geological and fossil record.

Predictions, using quantitative models of the Earth system to identify and simulate global environmental processes and trends, and the regional implications of such processes and trends.

Focused research initiatives to understand the nature of and interaction among physical, chemical, biological, and social processes related to global change.

establish, develop, and maintain information bases, including necessary management systems which will promote consistent, efficient, and compatible transfer and use of data;

create globally accessible formats for data collected by various international sources; and

combine and interpret data from various sources to produce information readily usable by policymakers attempting to formulate effective strategies for preventing, mitigating, and adapting to the effects of global change.

evaluate the scientific content of the Plan; and

provide information and advice obtained from United States and international sources, and recommended priorities for future global change research.