The National Climatic Data Center is a research center affiliated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Synonyms for this organization include the National Centers for Environmental Information, the Climate Data Center, and the Climatic Information Center. These synonyms reflect the core functions of the National Climatic Data Center, which include gathering, analyzing, and disseminating environmental and climatic data for scientific and public use. The center is a critical resource for researchers, policymakers, and the general public, providing vital information on the impacts of weather patterns, climate change, and natural disasters on the environment and human society.