Federal Climate Report Supports Obama Agenda

June 17, 2009

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

A new federal climate report supports the notion of global warming, a development that may lend weight and urgency to some of Obama Administration proposals such as cap and trade for carbon emissions, a national renewable energy standard and revised clean air and water regulations.

The report, “Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States,” was commissioned by the Bush Administration. It shows that if nothing is done to stem the growth in CO2 emissions, the U.S. may become warmer by 7-11.5 degrees by 2090. The report was edited by representatives of the NOAA National Climatic Data Center and the Marine Biological Laboratory, with input from about 30 authors.

Over the course of this century, reducing CO2 emissions would help reduce the pace of climate change, the report notes, but more immediate impacts could be seen by reducing methane emissions and soot particulates.

Key findings in the report largely mirror previous predictions from scientists and environmental advocacy groups:

Global warming is unequivocal an primarily human-induced.
Climate changes are underway in the U.S., and projected to grow.
Widespread climate-related impacts are affecting water, energy, transportation, agriculture, ecosystems and health.
Climate change will stress water resources.
Crop and livestock production will be challenged.
Coastal areas are at increasing risk from sea-level rise and storm surge.
Risks to human health will increase.
Climate change will interact with many social and environmental stresses.
Thresholds will be crossed, leading to large changes in climate and ecosystems.
Future climate change and its impacts depend on choices made today.

The Northeast may see such a precipitous increase in temperature that production of maple syrup heads to Canada, and New York and Pennsylvania apple production dries up. The region’s winter sports industry would be harmed, as well.

In the Pacific Northwest, warming water temperatures may mean a decline in salmon and trout populations.

The report’s findings concur with those of scientists at the World Wildlife Fund, according to the organization.

“Climate disruption is changing the American landscape in increasingly significant ways. To adequately anticipate, prepare for and respond to those impacts, a coordinated, on-going national assessment effort is required,” said Richard H. Moss, vice president of WWF’s climate change program.

Robert Corell from the Heinz Center said he thought the report was accurate into the 90th percentile range, reports Courthouse News.

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Advertisers

Stay competitive through sustainability.

Find out how at the SAP Sustainability Resource Center. >>

EFFECTIVELY MANAGE WATER COMPLIANCE

Understand how increased enforcement may affect your company. Find out more >>

EPA mandatory emissions reporting starts Jan 1st

CSA Standards can help your organization get ready for compliance. Find out how. >>

Join the Discussion

Reader Comments

global warming is a politcal construct designed to allow the federal government to intrude into the corporate and personal lives of the American citizen. It has no basis in fact, history or emperical data. Those who have studied this scientifically know there are climatic trends that are repetitive and cyclical. The Gorians have been incorporated into the main socialist camp which has taken over the seat of power and will do whatever is necessary to extend it power and subjegate the populace. The people are in danger from the Obama communist regime and will forfeit whatever freedoms are required. They will believe the lies told to justify this rape. Americans are just that stupid.

dale hendon | June 17th, 2009