Chris Kelble, Ph.D., Director of the Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), has been selected to serve as a Federal Coordinating Lead Author for the first-ever U.S. National Nature Assessment (NAA).
The National Nature Assessment will take a holistic approach to better understand the role of nature in the lives of people across the country, integrating science with traditional ways of knowing the needs of communities. The assessment will take stock of what nature provides people through its inherent value, and its contribution to human well-being, the economy, cultural heritage, national security, and more—and looks ahead to understand how these benefits might change under future conditions. The assessment is expected to be released in 2026.
In his role as Federal Coordinating Lead Author (FCLA) of the chapter entitled “Opportunities for America’s Future,” Kelble will play a high-level coordinating role with other FCLAs to ensure consistency and cohesion across the assessment. He will provide federal input directly to the Chapter Lead and support the Chapter Lead in ensuring appropriate coverage of their chapter topic. With this role, he will also serve as a liaison between author teams and the NNA Federal Steering Committee.
“To make any meaningful change in offsetting the impact humans have on the natural environment, and the crucial ecosystems that we ultimately depend on, we must identify those opportunities for change at the nexus of science, policy, and socioeconomic issues that will most effectively ensure a better future – for nature and ourselves.” – Chris Kelble, Ph.D.
The National Nature Assessment will be released for public comment, Tribal Consultation, and other Indigenous engagements: an outline will be completed in August 2024, and the first draft will be released in the fall of 2025.
Beyond his role as the Director of AOML’s Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division, Dr. Kelble is also the principal investigator of AOML’s Integrated Ecosystem Assessment and South Florida Ecosystem Restoration projects, further exemplifying his commitment to an interdisciplinary, ecosystem-based management approach to conserve the natural environment.
While his primary research interest is to holistically understand how humans alter coastal marine ecosystems and, in turn, how these coastal ecosystems support coastal communities, Kelble brings a wealth of experience and the perspective needed to fully identify opportunities for mitigating human impacts on the natural environment as he takes on this new role.
To see the full announcement, click here.