Climate change is happening right now and we are seeing the devastating impacts in all areas of the United States including yours. According to the United States Global Change Research Program if we don't change our ways in the coming century these are some of the effects of climate change the United States is projected to experience:
- Increases in air and water temperatures which will cause heat-related stresses for people, plants, and animals,
- Decreased water availability affecting the economy as well as natural systems,
- Sea-level rise and the likely increase in hurricane intensity and associated storm surge will be among the most serious consequences of climate change, and
- Quality of life will be affected by increasing heat stress, water scarcity, severe weather events, and reduced availability of insurance for at-risk properties.
But there is hope. Recently, Senators John Kerry and California Senator Barbara Boxer released a draft climate change bill (S. 1733) that thankfully included a cap and trade provision to limit industry pollution, but it's just not enough!
Although the bill calls for a 7% reduction in our carbon emissions below 1990 levels, we need a minimum of a 25% reduction. And to REALLY make a difference it needs to be more like 40% according to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change). Click here to email your Senator Now!
Although the bill calls for a 7% reduction in our carbon emissions below 1990 levels, we need a minimum of a 25% reduction. And to REALLY make a difference it needs to be more like 40% according to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change). Click here to email your Senator Now!
Now is the time for the U.S. to take strong leadership, especially given that the Global Humanitarian Forum estimates that climate change is already responsible for 300,000 deaths every year.