The fifth National Climate Assessment, or ‘the NCA,’ was released by the U.S. Global Change Research Program in November 2023. This robust and thoroughly peer-reviewed collection of scientific findings among 500 experts describes current climate impacts and recommended adaptation strategies across every sector and region of the country.

The Ten Across Summit in Los Angeles took place less than a month after its release. To mark this moment and provide context for the next two days of discussions around water, energy, housing, insurance, and other key topics, we gathered NCA authors and experts in sustainable development to share their insights and reactions to the report.

This conversation led by NCA Southwest Chapter leader author Dave White, delves into the importance of this document, and provides context for how we should respond to meet the climate challenges ahead. The panelists expressed optimism upon its release, as the strategies included in the report arrive at a time where there has never been greater consensus or funding available around climate action in the Ten Across region and throughout the United States.