The International Research Institute for Climate Prediction: 2005-2010

The mission of the IRI is to enhance society's capability to understand, anticipate and manage the impacts of seasonal climate fluctuations, in order to improve human welfare and the environment, especially in developing countries. IRI is developing methodological approaches and products to address climate-related problems and capitalize on Climate-related opportunities. Over the next five years, IRI will focus on four overriding objectives: 1)Improved demand-driven climate science; 2)Demonstrations of improved climate-related outcomes; 3)Increased awareness, demand, and uptake of climate risk management methods; and,4)Education and training in support of managing climate-related risk. The proposed work involves research in climate prediction, monitoring, and analysis targeted to address problems of climate risk in: agriculture and food security; water resources; public health; disasters; and crosscutting issues such as drought management. The IRI is a co-operative undertaking between NOAA and Columbia University and each has contributed substantial resources. IRI efforts directly contribute to NOAA's goal to understand climate variability and change to enhance society's ability to plan and respond. IRI research objectives also compliment several NOAA cross-cutting themes such as International Engagement and Global Earth Observing System of Systems.