Bridges Trade BioRes • Volume 9 • Number 12 • 26th June 2009

US Must Tackle Climate Change Now: Report

Discuss this articleShare your views with other visitors, and read what they have to say

Americans are already feeling the effects of climate change and the country should take immediate action to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, according to a new US federal government report.

The study draws upon years of scientific research, as well as new data not available during previous national assessments reports, and warns actions taken today will dictate the severity of future impacts. According to the study, efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions would slow the pace and degree of climate change and, if taken immediately, would be most effective.

“This report stresses that climate change has immediate and local impacts - it literally affects people in their backyards,” said Jane Lubchenco, administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which was the lead agency on the study.

This is the first analysis in over a decade to look at national climate change impacts. The report, entitled ‘Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States’, provides current information on changes in temperatures, rainfall patterns and sea level, and also focuses on the regional and sectoral effects of these changes.

The study warns that intense heat waves will increasingly threaten human health, transportation and energy systems, and crop and livestock production. The authors also say that increased rain will yield more flooding, waterborne diseases, negative effects on agriculture, and disruptions to energy, water, and transportation systems.

Also on water issues, the report says that increasing water demands paired with reduced summer runoff will lead to competition for water supplies in some regions (especially in the western US) and rising water temperatures and ocean acidification will degrade coral reefs and the rich ecosystems they support, which will have major implications for tourism and fisheries. They further warn that a sea-level rise of over three feet on top of storm surges will threaten coastal communities, and flooding will be more frequent and coastal erosion will intensify.

Increases in insect infestations and wildfires are also expected.

While the assessment is not intended to direct or dictate a specific policy approach, the authors aim to highlight the necessary choices that will be required to adapt and respond to climate change. Information in the report is meant to be a resource for a broad spectrum of stakeholders affected by climate change, including farmers, local officials, public health officials, water resource officials, and business owners.

Wesley Warren at the Natural Resources Defense Council said the timing of the report is fortunate. “In President Obama we have a leader who is taking America in a new direction on energy, supported by leaders in Congress, business, labor and others who are increasingly aware of the opportunity presented by a clean energy economy.” Looking toward international negotiations in Copenhagen, Warren added that the US needs to move quickly in developing strong legislation to “create jobs, protect the planet, and restore America’s leadership on this issue.”

Additional resources

The full report can be accessed here: http://globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific-assessments/us-impacts

ICTSD Reporting.