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THE CHANGING ATMOSPHERE-CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES Setting Firm Priorities The United States' effort in atmospheric sciences is executed by unique partnerships of federal agencies, universities, and private sector firms. Climate change is global in nature, and therefore coordinated international action is also needed. A top priority of the new administration must be a responsible fiscal policy that diminishes federal deficits. Hence, the recommendations made here are constrained to the two highest-priority targets--taking essential actions to strengthen programs in climate and severe weather. As with many investments made to realize the full potential of earlier investments, those described here will be repaid many times over in reduction of damage, in increased economic efficiency and productivity, and in the foresight that may allow us to cope wisely with the impacts of climate change on this nation. Letting Mark Twain's aphorism, that "nobody does anything about it," be our national policy in the face of the threat of global change could be the origin of a national and international disaster early in the next century. 4