評論
打印
A dire new forecast: More frequent and more devastating weather crises on the horizon as average temperatures rise. 13 federal agencies produced a sixteen hundred page report required by Congress called the National Climate Assessment. A major finding: The evidence of human caused climate changes overwhelming and continues to strengthen. The report projects staggering long-term economic consequences. Rising sea level costs as high as 118 billion dollars. An infrastructure damage of 32 billion dollars. With drought and heat expected to reduce US agricultural productivity. While President Trump gets his own close-up look at destruction from weather and fire disasters, his policies and views are at odds with the science.
We do have an impact but I don't believe the impact is merely what some say… The holiday weekend timing of this reports release drew heat. Environmental advocates like Al Gore accused the administration of trying to bury the assessment. House Democrats who take control in January pledged to tackle climate change head-on with an aggressive agenda. The White House responded the report is largely based on the most extreme scenario and argued the u.s.is leading the world in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The President's agenda touts fossil fuels and deregulation that can increase emissions. He said seeing fire damage did not alter his views. Beyond the unsettling predictions the National Climate Assessment says action is needed urgently. Among the recommendations, new investments in clean energy and even assessing prices on carbon emissions through taxes and fees.
