A new report issued by the United States Global Change Research Program, a joint venture of 13 federal agencies and the White House, suggests that global warming will become more severe in the coming years, despite actions taken to date.
“Observations show that warming of the climate system is now unequivocal. The global warming observed over the past 50 years is due primarily
to human-induced emissions of heat-trapping gases.” Key findings:
1. Global warming is unequivocal and primarily human-induced.
2. Climate changes are underway in the United States and are projected to grow.
3. Widespread climate-related impacts are occurring now and are expected to increase.
4. Climate change will stress water resources.
5. Crop and livestock production will be increasingly challenged.
6. Coastal areas are at increasing risk from sea-level rise and storm surge.
7. Threats to human health will increase.
8. Climate change will interact with many social and environmental stresses.
9. Rapid, irreversible, and unanticipated changes are likely as a result of crossing key thresholds.
10. Future climate change and its impacts depend on choices made today.
Read John Broder’s piece in the NY Times.
