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Oversight Unit

Earth Systems and Resources Program Area

Addresses connections between people, place, and the Earth system – land surface and deep Earth, atmosphere, cryosphere, water, and oceans – with a focus on resources, hazards, conservation, and basic and applied science.

Tide area looks like a Earth, Rock fragments like a continent.

In progress

News and Updates

New Technologies and Approaches Needed to Shore Up Interconnected U.S. Energy and Water Systems, Says New Report

News Release

As demands on the nation’s deeply interconnected energy and water systems grow, potential disruptions can have far-reaching consequences for communities, the economy, and national security. A new National Academies report examines how the systems’ interdependencies create both risks and opportunities and how collaborative, coordinated approaches can strengthen resilience and reliability.

May 19, 2026
Tom Miller Dam, Lake Austin, Colorado River, Austin Texas. Lake Austin (formerly Lake McDonald) is a water reservoir on the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. The reservoir was formed in 1939 by the construction of Tom Miller Dam by the Lower Colorado River Authority.

Our Expertise

The Earth Systems and Resources program area brings together leading scientists and engineers to provide independent, cross-disciplinary advice on managing Earth’s resources and systems. Our experts study the natural processes that shape the planet and the human activities that depend on and alter them.

Our work spans the spectrum of Earth and environmental sciences — from forestry and soils to weather and the atmosphere, oceans and polar regions, water resources, and environmental health. We conduct studies that inform resilient infrastructure, sustainable food and energy production, and the responsible stewardship of natural resources.

Description

Addresses connections between people, place, and the Earth system (land surface and deep Earth, atmosphere, cryosphere, water, and oceans) with a focus on resources, hazards, conservation, and basic and applied science.

Work with Us
Looking for independent, nonpartisan guidance from the nation’s top subject-matter experts? We stand ready to help potential sponsors across a variety of sectors shape research and policy agendas, regulation, investments, operations, state and local initiatives, and more.
Keck building

Contributors

Staff

Deborah Glickson

Lead

Caroline Bell

Charles Burgis

Laura Ehlers

Maya Frey

Stacey Giroux Wells

Dominique Jenkins

Madeline Jensen

Stephanie Johnson

Constance Karras

Samuel Kraft

April Melvin

Kelly Oskvig

Susan Roberts

John Ben Soileau

Steven Stichter

Noel Walters

Jonathan Tucker

Safah Wyne

Rebecca Krone

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