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Need for Resilience: Preparing America's Transportation Infrastructure for Climate Change, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, First Session, May 21, 2019
This is the May 21, 2019 hearing on the "Need for Resilience: Preparing America's Transportation Infrastructure for Climate Change" held before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. According to Hearing Charter's Statement of Purpose, the hearing was held to "examine the threat to transportation assets posed by climate change; assess the current state of federal research on transportation infrastructure climate resilience; and explore strategies by which the federal research enterprise can complement state and local efforts on transportation climate resilience more effectively." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Susanne DesRoches, Gregory D. Winfree, Jason Averill, and Scott Reeve.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2019
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Global Climate Change [Updated May 12, 2006]
"There is concern that human activities are affecting the heat/energy-exchange balance between Earth, the atmosphere, and space, and inducing global climate change, often termed 'global warming.' Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have contributed to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and other trace greenhouse gases. If these gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere at current rates, most scientists believe significant global warming would occur through intensification of Earth' s natural heat-trapping 'greenhouse effect.' Possible impacts might be seen as both positive and negative, depending on regional or national variations. [...] In March 2001, the Bush Administration rejected the Kyoto Protocol, and thus the United States is not party to it (and therefore is not subject to its requirements) as it enters into force. President Bush concluded a cabinet-level climate policy review with an announcement in 2002 of a 'new approach' for the United States based on reducing the greenhouse gas intensity (greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP) of the U.S. economy. This report briefly reviews the status of climate science, international negotiations, and congressional activity focused specifically on climate change."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fletcher, Susan R.; Justus, John R.
2006-05-12
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Global Climate Change [Updated March 21, 2006]
"There is concern that human activities are affecting the heat/energy-exchange balance between Earth, the atmosphere, and space, and inducing global climate change, often termed 'global warming.' Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have contributed to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and other trace greenhouse gases. If these gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere at current rates, most scientists believe significant global warming would occur through intensification of Earth' s natural heat-trapping 'greenhouse effect.' Possible impacts might be seen as both positive and negative, depending on regional or national variations. [...] In March 2001, the Bush Administration rejected the Kyoto Protocol, and thus the United States is not party to it (and therefore is not subject to its requirements) as it enters into force. President Bush concluded a cabinet-level climate policy review with an announcement in 2002 of a 'new approach' for the United States based on reducing the greenhouse gas intensity (greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP) of the U.S. economy. This report briefly reviews the status of climate science, international negotiations, and congressional activity focused specifically on climate change."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Justus, John R.; Fletcher, Susan R.
2006-03-21
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Potential Impacts of Climate Change in the United States
"Human activities are yielding rising atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases and other gases and particulates and are also greatly altering the Earth's land cover. A scientific consensus has emerged that those activities, if allowed to continue unabated, will have extensive, highly uncertain, but potentially serious and costly impacts on regional climates and ocean conditions throughout the world. This Congressional Budget Office (CBO) paper-prepared at the request of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources-presents an overview of the current understanding of the impacts of climate change in the United States, emphasizing the wide range of uncertainty about the magnitude and timing of those impacts and the implications of that uncertainty for the formulation of effective policy responses. The analysis draws from numerous published sources to summarize the current state of climate science and provide a conceptual framework for addressing climate change as an economic concern. In keeping with CBO's mandate to provide objective, impartial analysis, the paper makes no recommendations."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2009-05
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Serial No. 112-09: Climate Change: Examining the Processes Used to Create Science and Policy, Hearing Before the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session, Thursday, March 31, 2011
From the hearing charter: "On Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will hold a hearing to examine processes used to generate key climate change science and information used to inform policy development and decision-making. […] All aspects of modern life operate within a known range of climate conditions. That range of variability requires that all sectors, from agriculture to transportation, have a measure of resiliency built into them. Our ability to adapt to changing climate conditions is predicated on our ability to better account for risk and prepare proportionate responses to those risks. Advancements in climate science may reduce uncertainty and provide a better idea about the risks we face, thus allowing for more informed decisions to be made that impact the quality of our lives." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Ralph M. Hall, Eddie Bernice Johnson, J. Scott Armstrong, Richard Muller, John Christy, Peter Glaser, Kerry Emanuel, W. David Montgomery, and Dana Rohrabacher.
United States. Government Printing Office
2011
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Costs of Inaction: The Economic and Budgetary Consequences of Climate Change, Hearing Before the Senate Budget Committee, One Hundred and Thirteenth Congress, Second Session, July 29, 2014
This testimony compilation is from the July 29, 2014 hearing on "Costs of Inaction: The Economic and Budgetary Consequences of Climate Change," held before the Senate Budget Committee. From the statement of Mindy Lubber: "Quite simply, climate change poses risks to every business sector and every American. The risks may vary, but they are being felt across our economy. That is why Ceres - and the companies and investors we work with - believe that the choice is NOT between protecting the climate and protecting the economy…We believe that without a stable climate, our economy cannot thrive."
United States. Congress. Senate
2014-07-29
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Weather and Climate Change: What's the Difference? [March 6, 2020]
From the Document: "With much discussion of climate change in Congress, in the news, and among constituents, some commonly used words may be misunderstood or misused. Below are explanations of several key terms: weather, climate, climate variability, and climate change, as well as some associated concepts. Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a specific place and time, described by such conditions as temperature, precipitation, humidity, cloudiness, and wind speed. Weather can include conditions of the Earth's water and land surfaces as well, with such variables as wave height and snow cover. Weather conditions can vary rapidly or last up to a few days in the mid-latitudes. NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] compiles observations from weather stations around the United States, in the oceans, from international sources, and from other federal agencies. NOAA analyzes weather data historically and provides multiday forecasts or seasonal outlooks."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Leggett, Jane A.
2020-03-06
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Climate Change and Extreme Heat: What You Can Do to Prepare
"Extreme heat events in the United States are already occurring and expected to become more common, more severe, and longer-lasting as our climate changes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed this booklet to identify steps that you can take now to prepare for an extreme heat event-and to help your families, friends, and neighbors, too. This booklet answers some of the key questions about extreme heat in a changing climate: why extreme heat is on the rise, how it might affect you, and what you can do before and during an extreme heat event to reduce your health risk. Scientific information used in this document is derived from peer-reviewed synthesis and assessment products, including those published by the United States Global Change Research Program and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, as well as other peer-reviewed sources and federal agency resources."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.); United States. Environmental Protection Agency
2016-10
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Climate Change and Ecosystems
"Climate change will affect nature's ecosystems and the habitats that support life--from oceans to grasslands to forests. Changes are expected to alter the makeup and functioning of ecosystems, as well as some of the critical benefits that ecosystems provide to people. Climate change can threaten ecosystems that have already been weakened by other human activities such as pollution, development, and overharvesting. This fact sheet describes some of the ways that climate change affects ecosystems."
United States. Environmental Protection Agency
2010-04
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FEMA Climate Change Adaptation Policy Statement
"The purpose of this policy statement is to establish an Agency-wide directive to integrate
climate change adaptation planning and actions into Agency programs, policies, and
operations. [...] While the scope, severity, and pace of future climate change impacts are difficult to predict,
it is clear that potential changes could affect our Agency's ability to fulfill its mission. The
challenges posed by climate change, such as more intense storms, frequent heavy
precipitation, heat waves, drought, extreme flooding, and higher sea levels could
significantly alter the types and magnitudes of hazards faced by communities and the
emergency management professionals serving them."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency; United States. Department of Homeland Security
2011
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Report to Congress: Strengthening the Scientific Understanding of Climate Change Impacts on Freshwater Resources of the United States
"This report responds to the requirements of Section 9506 of the Omnibus Public Lands Act [Public Law (PL) 111--11; Appendix A] calling for a report to Congress that describes the impacts of global climate change on freshwater resources of the United States, and identifies key actions to improve the Nation's capacity to detect and predict changes in freshwater resources that are likely to result from a changing climate. The steps described in the report are intended to help decision-makers and water resource managers by facilitating improvements in observational data, data acquisition, and modeling capabilities. Freshwater resources are vulnerable to a number of stressors, and a changing climate can exacerbate other stressors and creates new risks to the Nation's food security, energy security, and overall economic health."
Geological Survey (U.S.)
2011-08
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Climate Change: Various Adaptation Efforts are Under Way at Key Natural Resource Management Agencies, Report to Congressional Requesters
"Climate change poses a variety of threats to federally managed natural resources, such as forests and wildlife, including possibly more frequent and severe droughts and wildfires. Adaptation--adjustments in natural or human systems to a new or changing environment that exploits beneficial opportunities or moderates negative effects--can be used to help manage the risks to vulnerable natural resources. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review federal agencies' efforts to incorporate climate change adaptation into their natural resource planning and management since GAO last reported on this issue in 2007. This report examines (1) steps key federal natural resource management agencies--Forest Service, NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration], Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management--have taken since 2007 to address adaptation and (2) how these agencies have collaborated at the national level on adaptation since 2007. GAO analyzed the agencies' climate change adaptation guidance and planning documents and interviewed agency officials. GAO also visited one field location for each agency, selected using a nonprobability approach, so the results are not generalizable to all of the agencies' field locations. GAO is not making any recommendations. GAO received written comments from the Department of Agriculture, which said the Forest Service agreed with the findings. GAO also received general and technical comments from the Departments of Commerce and the Interior, which were incorporated as appropriate."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2013-05
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Testing the Waters: Climate Change in Africa and Anticipating Regional Conflicts
From the thesis abstract of Michael Horlbeck: "With limited resources, USAFRICOM currently focuses its efforts on the African continent in areas related to traditional security concerns such as combating terrorism, trafficking and coastal patrols. This paper argues that the expected climate changes within the continent can be known with enough fidelity to warrant changing how the command allocates resources within Africa in pursuit of American strategic interests. Focusing on West Africa and Nigeria in particular, the expected migration patterns and humanitarian stresses in the region are likely to channel towards Nigeria. Current engagement methods are not only ill-prepared to meet long-term objectives even without considering climate change, but are void of displaying any significant forethought regarding climate change and how to best enable the continent to deal with that threat."
Naval War College (U.S.). Joint Military Operations Department
Horlbeck, Michael
2011-05-04
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Cultural Resources Climate Change Strategy
"Cultural resources are our record of the human experience. Collectively, archeological sites, cultural landscapes, ethnographic resources, museum collections, and historic buildings and structures connect one generation to the next. The National Park Service is charged with conserving cultural resources so that they may be enjoyed by future generations. Climate change is currently adding challenges to this role, and will continue to affect cultural resources in diverse ways. At the same time, through the tangible and intangible qualities they hold, cultural resources are also part of the solution to climate change. This Strategy sets out a vision and broad approach for managing impacts to and learning from cultural resources in this era of climate change."
United States. National Park Service
2016-12
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Economic Record of the Obama Administration: Addressing Climate Change
From the Executive Summary: "The impacts of climate change are being felt now, and if unchecked, greenhouse gas emissions threaten the future of both national and global welfare and economic output. That is why, since taking office, President Obama has demonstrated his commitment to fighting climate change through a diverse set of policy mechanisms. Since 2008, he has implemented policiesthat provide incentives for renewable energy and improve the energy efficiency of homes and appliances; developed the first-ever federal greenhouse gas pollution standards for power plants, light-duty cars and trucks, and commercial trucks, buses, and vans; invested in research and development to support innovative clean energy technologies, and furthered international cooperation to drive down greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature rise. Encouraging trends in energy consumption, carbon emissions, and the deployment of cleaner energy since 2008 illustrate the progress the nation has made during the Obama Administration to transition to an increasingly low-carbon economy, while also recovering from the Great Recession. In line with long-standing policy for major regulations, standards aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions have been assessed using rigorous benefit-cost analysis. This report reviews the economic rationale for policy intervention to slow climate change, selected policies pursued and the progress made to date, and the foundation this Administration has established for a continued transition toward an increasingly low-carbon economy in the years to come. The key findings of the report are outlined below."
United States. Executive Office of the President
2016-09
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Evolving Assessments of Human and Natural Contributions to Climate Change [February 1, 2018]
"As Congress continues to deliberate whether and how to address climate change, a key question has been the degree to which humans and natural factors have influenced observed global climate change. Members of Congress sometimes stress that policies or actions 'must be based on sound science.' Officials in the Trump Administration have expressed uncertainty about the human influence, and some have called for public debate on the topic. [...] This report describes a chronology (in the Appendix) of 200 years of major scientific statements, selected to represent views at each time, regarding the human and natural contributions to global climate change. The chronology demonstrates how scientific views and confidence in those views evolved over time."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Leggett, Jane A.
2018-02-01
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Climate Change Legislation, Hearing Before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, First Session, October 14, 2009
From the opening statement of Jeff Bingaman: "As the Senate continues to consider ways to deal with the global environmental problem of climate change, much of the discussion centers around overall costs and benefits of such a program; how the costs and benefits will be distributed throughout our economy. Addressing the issue of climate change will require major transformation of our energy sectors. So, this committee will continue to take a interest in the topic in the months ahead. Our last hearing on climate change examined different policy options to contain both the long-term costs and the short-term price volatility of an economy-wide program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a follow-on to that discussion, in today's hearing we will receive testimony on the various economic models and analyses of the American Clean Energy Security Act, or ACES, which was passed by the House of Representatives this June." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Jeff Bingaman, Douglas W. Elmendorf, Reid P. Harvey, Lisa Murkowski, Richard Newell, and Larry Parker.
United States. Government Printing Office
2010
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System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species (SAVS) to Climate Change
"Sustained conservation of species requires integration of future climate change effects, but few tools exist to assist managers. The System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species (SAVS) identifies the relative vulnerability or resilience of vertebrate species to climate change. Designed for managers, the SAVS is an easily applied tool that uses a questionnaire of 22 predictive criteria to create vulnerability scores. The user scores species' attributes relating to potential vulnerability or resilience associated with projections for their region. Six scores are produced: an overall score denoting level of vulnerability or resilience, four categorical scores (habitat, physiology, phenology, and biotic interactions) indicating source of vulnerability, and an uncertainty score, which reflects user confidence in the predicted response. The SAVS provides a framework for integrating new information into the climate change assessment process."
United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)
Bagne, Karen Elizabeth; Friggens, Megan M.; Finch, Deborah M.
2011-06
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Allegations of Political Interference with Government Climate Change Science, Hearing Before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Tenth Congress, First Session, March 19, 2007
From the opening statement of Henry A. Waxman: "Today the committee continues its investigation into whether the nonpartisan work of climate change scientists was distorted by political interference from the Bush administration. Since our first hearing on January 30th, we have received over eight boxes of documents from the White House Council on Environmental Quality. The document production is not yet complete, but some of the information the committee has already obtained is disturbing. It suggests that there may have been a concerted effort, directed by the White House, to mislead the public about the dangers of global climate change. It is too early in this investigation to draw firm conclusions about the White House's conduct. But today's hearing will help us learn more about those efforts and provide guidance on whether further investigation is warranted. There is a saying in Washington that personnel is policy. The White House appointed an oil industry lobbyist, not a scientist or climate change expert, as chief of staff at the Council on Environmental Quality." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: James L. Connaughton, Philip Cooney, James Hansen, George Deutsch, Roy Spencer, Darrell E. Issa, and Henry A. Waxman.
United States. Government Printing Office
2007
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Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States
"This report summarizes the science of climate change and the impacts of climate change on the United States, now and in the future. It is largely based on results of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), and integrates those results with related research from around the world. This report discusses climate-related impacts for various societal and environmental sectors and regions across the nation. It is an authoritative scientific report written in plain language, with the goal of better informing public and private decision making at all levels. The USGCRP called for this report. An expert team of scientists operating under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, assisted by communication specialists, wrote the document. The report was extensively reviewed and revised based on comments from experts and the public. The report was approved by its lead USGCRP Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the other USGCRP agencies, and the Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources on behalf of the National Science and Technology Council. This report meets all Federal requirements associated with the Information Quality Act, including those pertaining to public comment and transparency."
U.S. Global Change Research Program
2009-06
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Climate Change, Part II: The Public Health Effects, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Environment of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, First Session, April 30, 2019
This is the April 30, 2019 hearing titled "Climate Change, Part II: The Public Health Effects," held before the House Subcommittee on Environment of the Committee on Oversight and Reform. From the opening statement of Harley Rouda: "This hearing, as I mentioned, is the second of a series of hearings on climate change that the Committee on Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Environmental plans to hold during the 116th Congress. In this subcommittee's previous hearing, our esteemed witnesses helped us examine the history of a consensus surrounding climate change based on overwhelming scientific evidence, previous industry knowledge and action, and the need to transcend partisan politics to address this most important issue. That hearing focused on the past. Today we will concentrate on the current impacts that global warming is already having on the health of everyday Americans." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Aaron Bernstein, Karen DeSalvo, Bernard D. Goldstein, Cheryl L. Holder, and Caleb Rossiter.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2019
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Global Climate Change: Three Policy Perspectives [Updated November 26, 2008]
"The 1992 U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change requires that signatories, including the United States, establish policies for constraining future emission levels of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2). The George H. W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush Administrations each drafted action plans in response to requirements of the convention. These plans have raised significant controversy and debate. This debate intensified following the 1997 Kyoto Agreement, which, had it been ratified by the United States, would have committed the United States to reduce greenhouse gases by 7% over a five-year period (2008-2012) from specified baseline years. Controversy is inherent, in part, because of uncertainties about the likelihood and magnitude of possible future climate change, the consequences for human wellbeing, and the costs and benefits of minimizing or adapting to possible climate change. Controversy also is driven by differences in how competing policy communities view the assumptions underlying approaches to this complex issue. […] An 'ecological lens' views environmental problems as the result of indifference to or disregard for the planet's ecosystem on which all life depends. The solutions to the problems lie in developing an understanding of and a respect for that ecosystem, and providing people with mechanisms to express that understanding in their daily choices. The implied governmental role would be to support ecologically based education and values, as well as to promote 'green' products and processes, for example through procurement policies and labeling requirements. Some initiatives are underway; all the perspectives are relevant in evaluating them and possible further policies. The purpose here is not to suggest that one lens is 'better' than another, but rather to articulate the implications of the differing perspectives in order to clarify terms of debate among diverse policy communities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parker, Larry, 1954-; Blodgett, John E.
2008-11-26
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U.S.-centric Chronology of the International Climate Change Negotiations [January 7, 2010]
"Under the 2007 'Bali Action Plan,' countries around the globe sought to reach a 'Copenhagen agreement' in December 2009 on effective, feasible, and fair actions beyond 2012 to address risks of climate change driven by human-related emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). The Copenhagen conference was beset by strong differences among countries, however, and (beyond technical decisions) achieved only mandates to continue negotiating toward the next Conference of the Parties (COP) to be held in Mexico City in December 2010. The COP also 'took note of' (not adopting) a 'Copenhagen Accord,' agreed among the United States and additional countries (notably including China), which reflects compromises on some key actions. As background to the ongoing negotiations, this document provides a U.S.-centric chronology of the international policy deliberations to address climate change from 1979-2009. It begins before agreement on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992, and proceeds through the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, the Marrakesh Accords of 2001, the Bali Action Plan of 2007, and the Copenhagen conference in 2009. The Bali Action Plan mandated the Copenhagen negotiations on commitments for the period beyond 2012, when the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol ends. This chronology identifies selected external events and major multilateral meetings that have influenced the current legal and institutional arrangements, as well as contentious issues for further cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Leggett, Jane A.
2010-01-07
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International Financing of Responses to Climate Change [November 23, 2010]
"This report describes many of the questions that are under debate in international climate change fora. It aims to inform Congressional decision-making on the magnitude and mechanisms of financial assistance that the United States may provide to low-income countries to address climate change. It identifies rationales presented for enhanced international financing, including commitments made by the wealthy economies to provide financing under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and subsequent agreements. The report then reviews estimated levels of financing needs (Table 1), specific monetary pledges (Table 2), and the variety of proposed mechanisms to generate (Appendix A) and disburse funding. The final section summarizes international financing proposed by the Obama Administration and in bills in the 111th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Leggett, Jane A.
2010-11-23
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Abrupt Climate Change Scenario and Its Implications for United States National Security
The purpose of this report is to imagine the unthinkable - to push the boundaries of current research on climate change to better understand the potential implications on United States national security. The authors interviewed leading climate change scientists, conducted additional research, and reviewed several iterations of the scenario with experts. The scientists support this project, but caution that the scenario depicted is extreme in two fundamental ways. First, they suggest the occurrences outlined in this report would most likely happen in a few regions, rather than on globally. Second, they say the magnitude of the event may be considerably smaller. The authors have created a climate change scenario that although not the most likely, is plausible, and would challenge United States national security in ways that should be considered immediately.
United States. Department of Defense
Schwartz, Peter, 1946-; Randall, Doug
2004
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Serial No. 109-197: Climate Change Technology Research: Do We Need a 'Manhattan Project' for the Environment; Hearing before the Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Ninth Congress, September 21, 2006
From the opening statement of Tom Davis: "Good morning, and welcome to today's hearing on climate change technology. As we sit here today, the debate over climate change science continues, but this committee, as well as the administration and many others in Government, already have recognized the important facts: that global mean temperature has increased over the past century, and that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has contributed in some way to this warning. With that in mind, our committee seeks to move away from debating science to finding solutions. The purpose of today's hearing is to learn about the Federal Government's climate change research and development programs, specifically those dedicated to exploratory or innovative technology. We are also going to discuss the best ways to steer these initiatives." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Stephen D. Eule, John B. Stephenson, Martin Hoffert, Daniel Kammen, Lee Lane, Robert Socolow, Richard Van Atta, Elijah E. Cummings, Tom Davis, Carolyn B. Maloney and Henry A. Waxman.
United States. Government Printing Office
2006
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S. Hrg. 110-1153: Climate Change Impacts and Responses in Island Communities, Field Hearing Before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Second Session, March 19, 2008
From the opening statement of Daniel K. Inouye: "Over the past year, climate change has become a topic of discussion, not only at the highest government levels, but throughout the world, and it's become a political issue. New important research and assessments continue to be produced, which allow the public and policymakers to make more informed decisions, and engage in more meaningful discussions. Speaking of discussions, I believe one of the most important ones was held last year at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali. I considered this important enough to send some of my staff there. This meeting, as you may be aware, established a road map to develop a new approach that will serve as the logical extension of the Kyoto Protocol. Regardless of the causes of climate change, its effects are felt by everyone. That fact is never more apparent than for those who call this island community a home." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Daniel K. Inouye, Karl Kim, Jo-Ann C. Leong, Fred T. Mackenzie, Richard E. Rocheleau, Bill Thomas, and Goro Uehara.
United States. Government Printing Office
2012
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U.S. Global Climate Change Policy: Evolving Views on Cost, Competitiveness, and Comprehensiveness [Updated January 28, 2008]
This CRS report discuses the evolution of U.S. Global Climate Change Policy through the years. "U.S. policy toward global climate change evolved from a 'study only' to a more 'study and action' orientation in 1992 with ratification of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Convention committed developed countries to aim at returning their greenhouse gas emissions to their 1990 levels by the year 2000. The U.S. decision to ratify the UNFCCC reflected both the nonbinding nature of the accord and analyses that suggested that the United States could achieve the necessary reduction at little or no cost. Under the UNFCCC, developed countries were to adopt national plans and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The United States submitted such plans in 1992, 1994, 1997, 2002, and 2006." This report also discusses "The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT) [that] has been the principal U.S. statutory response to the UNFCCC. In addition, the George H.W. Bush and Clinton Administrations encouraged voluntary reductions by industry through administrative initiatives, such as the EPA's [Environmental Protection Agency] various 'green' programs ['No Regrets']." The report also talks about the Kyoto Protocol, which laid out limits on emissions for developed nations. The Protocol was earlier referred as Senate Resolution 98 (S. Res. 98).
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parker, Larry B.; Blodgett, John E.
2008-01-28
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U.S. Global Climate Change Policy: Evolving Views on Cost, Competitiveness, and Comprehensiveness [Updated January 29, 2009]
This CRS report discuses the evolution of U.S. Global Climate Change Policy through the years. "U.S. policy toward global climate change evolved from a 'study only' to a more 'study and action' orientation in 1992 with ratification of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Convention committed developed countries to aim at returning their greenhouse gas emissions to their 1990 levels by the year 2000. The U.S. decision to ratify the UNFCCC reflected both the nonbinding nature of the accord and analyses that suggested that the United States could achieve the necessary reduction at little or no cost. Under the UNFCCC, developed countries were to adopt national plans and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The United States submitted such plans in 1992, 1994, 1997, 2002, and 2006." This report also discusses "The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT) [that] has been the principal U.S. statutory response to the UNFCCC. In addition, the George H.W. Bush and Clinton Administrations encouraged voluntary reductions by industry through administrative initiatives, such as the EPA's [Environmental Protection Agency] various 'green' programs ['No Regrets']." The report also talks about the Kyoto Protocol, which laid out limits on emissions for developed nations. The Protocol was earlier referred as Senate Resolution 98 (S. Res. 98).
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parker, Larry B.; Blodgett, John E.
2009-01-29
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Global Climate Change: Three Policy Perspectives [February 7, 2008]
"The 1992 U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change requires that signatories, including the United States, establish policies for constraining future emission levels of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2). The George H. W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush Administrations each drafted action plans in response to requirements of the convention. These plans have raised significant controversy and debate. This debate intensified following the 1997 Kyoto Agreement, which, had it been ratified by the United States, would have committed the United States to reduce greenhouse gases by 7% over a five-year period (2008-2012) from specified baseline years. Controversy is inherent, in part, because of uncertainties about the likelihood and magnitude of possible future climate change, the consequences for human wellbeing, and the costs and benefits of minimizing or adapting to possible climate change. Controversy also is driven by differences in how competing policy communities view the assumptions underlying approaches to this complex issue. […] An 'ecological lens' views environmental problems as the result of indifference to or disregard for the planet's ecosystem on which all life depends. The solutions to the problems lie in developing an understanding of and a respect for that ecosystem, and providing people with mechanisms to express that understanding in their daily choices. The implied governmental role would be to support ecologically based education and values, as well as to promote 'green' products and processes, for example through procurement policies and labeling requirements. Some initiatives are underway; all the perspectives are relevant in evaluating them and possible further policies. The purpose here is not to suggest that one lens is 'better' than another, but rather to articulate the implications of the differing perspectives in order to clarify terms of debate among diverse policy communities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parker, Larry, 1954-; Blodgett, John E.
2008-02-07
