This volume provides a comprehensive overview and strategic guidance for the atmospheric sciences as they transition into the 21st century. It examines five key subdisciplines: physics, chemistry, dynamics and weather forecasting, upper atmosphere and near-Earth space physics, and climate and climate change. The book aims to inform researchers, policymakers, and educators about the current state and future directions of atmospheric research.

This book is regarded as a foundational document for the atmospheric sciences, offering a forward-looking perspective on research priorities. It is cited for its comprehensive scope, covering critical areas from weather forecasting to climate change. The report is valued for its strategic insights into the discipline's evolution.