The document discusses integrating communication best practices into the Third National Climate Assessment. It emphasizes that climate change has moved into the present and is having impacts across all regions and sectors like health, water, agriculture and energy. The impacts are apparent now and affecting Americans. The assessment presents an important opportunity to communicate that climate change is happening now, having widespread effects, and that actions can be taken to reduce future impacts and adapt to those that can't be avoided. It encourages an integrated and iterative approach to communication throughout the assessment process.