National Climate Assessment Another Stark Reminder, Call to Action

 Today the U.S. Global Change Research Program released its latest version of the National Climate Assessment, a government-mandated report on the state of America’s climate. 

 “The National Climate Assessment is another sobering reminder of the effects that climate change has on people, the economy and the environment. While the report paints a bleak portrait of climate consequences, it is best seen as a call to action to activate solutions that will stem harmful warming and protect communities that stand at the forefront of a changing climate.

“The report highlights the visceral impacts of global warming that affect people at every level of the economy, in every region of the US. Most importantly, it makes clear the need for strong, commonsense action from the private and public sectors, action that risks falling dangerously short without adequate government response.  

“It is worth noting that the report was released by an administration that has ignored the warnings of scientists, economists, businesses and community leaders that corroborate the report’s findings. As long as government leaders sit on their hands, Americans will stand to suffer. The evidence is clear: the Trump administration is failing to protect the American people. 

“We are clear-eyed about the path forward. To tackle climate change we must:

• Establish clear goals for reducing pollution and moving to 100% clean energy
• Place enforceable limits on climate pollution, hold companies accountable for their pollution, and create economic incentives to mobilize the power of entrepreneurs and innovators           
• Implement complementary measures that accelerate investment in emerging technologies and break down barriers that hinder the adoption of existing ones.”

- Nat Keohane, EDF Senior Vice President, Climate

For more comments from Nat, please reach out to Keith Gaby at kgaby@edf.org or (202) 572-3336.