Welcome to CGD
CGD Science Plan
Science in CGD
The Climate and Global Dynamics Division (CGD), which is part of the Earth and Sun Systems Laboratory (ESSL) at NCAR, strives to address fundamental scientific issues in Earth system science, with an emphasis on themes likely to benefit society through improved understanding of climate processes and advances in the science of climate prediction.
Specifically, the mission of CGD is to: (1) advance understanding of the Earth's climate system components and the interactions among them; (2) to represent this understanding in models of the components and of the coupled system; and (3) to further our understanding by applying the models to scientific and societal questions and thereby provide a basis for prediction of weather and climate. We fulfill this mission through a strong record of achievement in scientific research, community modeling and data set development. We are also very proud of our community service, leadership of national and international research programs, and educational and outreach activities. Accomplishments in these areas are detailed each year in our Annual Scientific Reports.
In addressing this mission, CGD contributes to the vision and mission of NCAR, as well as to the overarching goals articulated in the strategic plan of the National Science Foundation (NSF). As such, it helps NCAR to uphold a position of world leadership in science and technology, promoting the transfer of new knowledge to society, and contributing to excellence in science and technology education.
Our vision of CGD for the future is that it will address all aspects of its mission with an ambitious, effective, and aggressive scientific program of large scope and importance. A key aspect is a commitment to a world-class scientific and technical staff, representing true diversity in people, backgrounds, and ideas. A central aspect of our strategic plan, therefore, is to attract and retain leading scientists in the field and to develop the careers of young scientists toward leadership roles. To achieve this goal, we will respect scientific uniqueness and will promote collaboration and teamwork through maintenance of a congenial, supportive, and professional working environment.
