National Academies Press (State of the Union Address 2013 DEEP DIVE Follow-on Materials)

Your Guide to the 2013 State of the UnionFree science resources for the nationThis year's State of the Union address focused on topics such as energy, climate change, and early childhood education. The National Academies Press provides resources directly related to these national issues. A selection has been highlighted below. We've posted the full transcript of the President's speech, annotated with lists of our related materials. Read our complete guide at Notes from NAP. President Obama on Energy: "If we want to make the best products, we also have to invest in the best ideas... And today, no area holds more promise than our investments in American energy. After years of talking about it, we are finally poised to control our own energy future." America's Energy Future: Technology and TransformationAmerica's Energy Future: Technology and Transformation examines the role of energy in long-term U.S. economic vitality, national security, and climate change. [read more] Electricity from Renewable Resources: Status, Prospects, and ImpedimentsElectricity from Renewable Resources examines the technical potential for electric power generation with alternative sources. [read more] President Obama on Climate Change: "But for the sake of our children and our future, we must do more to combat climate change. Yes, it's true that no single event makes a trend. But the fact is, the 12 hottest years on record have all come in the last 15. Heat waves, droughts, wildfires, and floods—all are now more frequent and intense. We can choose to believe that Superstorm Sandy, and the most severe drought in decades, and the worst wildfires some states have ever seen were all just a freak coincidence. Or we can choose to believe in the overwhelming judgment of science—and act before it's too late." Limiting the Magnitude of Future Climate ChangeLimiting the Magnitude of Future Climate Change focuses on the role of the United States in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. [read more] Climate Stabilization Targets: Emissions, Concentrations, and Impacts over Decades to MillenniaClimate Stabilization Targets: Emissions, Concentrations, and Impacts of Decades to Millennia emphasizes the importance of 21st century choices regarding long-term climate stabilization. [read more] President Obama on Early Childhood Education: "Study after study shows that the sooner a child begins learning, the better he or she does down the road. But today, fewer than 3 in 10 four year-olds are enrolled in a high-quality preschool program... Tonight, I propose working with states to make high-quality preschool available to every child in America. Every dollar we invest in high-quality early education can save more than seven dollars later on—by boosting graduation rates, reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime." Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood: Paths Toward Excellence and EquityMathematics Learning in Early Childhood explains the critical areas that should be the focus of young children's early mathematics education. [read more] From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood DevelopmentRead From Neurons to Neighborhoods to find out how child care, family climate, and community affect how a child grows. [read more]