The National Academy of Science published new reports Thursday recommending that lawmakers act now to combat climate change. The reports, which were requested by Congress, explain the data behind global warming and highlight the links between climate change and human activity. Going well beyond a simple explanation of the evidence, the Academy declares that immediate action to curb greenhouse gas emissions is imperative. The reports call for the U.S. to be a global leader in lowering emissions so that other nations follow suit, and recommend that a carbon-pricing system be implemented immediately. The Academy also stressed that we as a nation must come up with adaptation strategies to cope with rising sea levels, the disappearance of sea ice, and an increase in extreme weather events. It is up to Congress to give local and regional governments the tools it needs to make plans for these calamities. Climate change is happening, and if we wish to continue inhabiting planet earth for generations to come, we must act now.
-Mitchell Flexo
Tags: