Advanced search    Help

Clear all search criteria

Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).

• Greenhouse Gas Pledges by Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [June 29, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "International negotiations are underway toward an agreement, due in December 2015, under the 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change' (UNFCCC) regarding commitments and actions to address human-related, global climate change from 2020 on. This report briefly summarizes the existing commitments and pledges of selected national and regional governments to limit their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as contributions to the global effort. The negotiations cover additional topics, including adaptation to the impacts of climate change and financing to assist the efforts of low-income countries. However, parties to the UNFCCC have not agreed that 'intended nationally determined contributions' (INDCs) of parties must or should include those other topics. Consequently, this report focuses only on the GHG mitigation pledges. More extensive information on the climate change negotiations is available in several additional CRS reports. Following background on the UNFCCC, this report describes the role of INDCs in the current negotiations. It then summarizes selected parties' existing GHG mitigation commitments and pledges in a table that covers both the period to 2020 and from 2020 on. Information on additional parties' INDCs is available through the website of the UNFCCC."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Leggett, Jane A.

  2015-06-29
• SEC Climate Change Disclosure Guidance: An Overview and Congressional Concerns [May 24, 2012]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "Publicly traded companies are required to transparently disclose material business risks to investors through regular filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). On January 27, 2010, the SEC voted to publish 'Commission Guidance Regarding Disclosure Related to Climate Change,' which clarifies how publicly traded corporations should apply existing SEC disclosure rules to certain mandatory financial filings with the SEC regarding the risk that climate change developments may have on their businesses. The Guidance has been controversial and has prompted legislation in the 112th Congress to repeal it. [...] Since the Guidance went into effect on February 8, 2010, there have been several attempts to gauge its impact. A 2011 report from Ceres, a nonprofit coalition of institutional investors, environmental organizations, and other public interest groups, concluded that most corporate filers needed more experience at communicating the risks associated with climate change. Although it found that large public companies had improved their climate-change risk disclosures in recent years, the report concluded that there was more work to be done in this area."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shorter, Gary W.

  2012-05-24
• Clean Air Issues in the 110th Congress: Climate Change, Air Quality Standards, and Oversight [Updated October 19, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Attention to environmental issues in the 110th Congress focused early and heavily on climate change -- the state of the science, and whether (and, if so, how) to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Ten bills had been introduced to establish GHG emission caps as of late September, and hearings on climate change have been held by at least seven committees. Legislation has yet to be marked up, however, in either House or Senate committees. Seven of the ten greenhouse gas bills introduced as of this writing would amend the Clean Air Act, generally establishing a new Title VII to address the issue. Whether or not legislation would amend the Clean Air Act, climate change hearings and markup are among the highest expressed priorities in the coming months for the committees that have jurisdiction over air issues (principally the Senate Environment and Public Works and House Energy and Commerce Committees). Other clean air issues are less likely to be the main focus of attention, but they may be addressed, especially through oversight of Administration actions. […] On April 2, the Supreme Court decided two cases that have broad implications for EPA and state authority to control greenhouse gases and to regulate power plants. In the more sweeping of the two cases, Massachusetts v. EPA, the Court found that EPA has authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. Other cases involving climate change, clean air standards, and the regulation of power plants are pending at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and in a number of federal and state courts. Decisions in these cases may prompt hearings or legislation. […]"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  McCarthy, James E.

  2007-10-19
• U.S. Global Climate Change Policy: Evolving Views on Cost, Competitiveness, and Comprehensiveness [Updated January 29, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Summary: "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, and 2002. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT) has been the principal U.S. statutory response to the UNFCCC. Primarily an energy policy response to the Iraqi takeover of Kuwait and the U.S.-led reaction, EPACT's energy conservation, renewable energy, and other titles were also seen as having a beneficial effect on global climate change concerns. In addition, the George H.W. Bush and Clinton Administrations encouraged voluntary reductions by industry through administrative initiatives, such as EPA's various 'green' programs. This largely voluntary approach to complying with UNFCCC allowed the two Administrations to implement a climate change policy without having to ask Congress for new authorities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Parker, Larry B.; Blodgett, John E.

  2007-01-29
• Global Climate Change Initiative (GCCI): Budget Authority and Request, FY2008-FY2012 [June 1, 2011]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The United States supports international financial assistance for global climate change initiatives in developing countries. Under the Obama Administration, this assistance has been articulated primarily as the Global Climate Change Initiative (GCCI), a major strategic platform within the President's 2010 Policy Directive on Global Development. The GCCI aims to integrate climate change considerations into relevant foreign assistance through a full range of bilateral, multilateral, and private sector mechanisms to foster low-carbon growth, promote sustainable and resilient societies, and reduce emissions from deforestation and land degradation. The GCCI is implemented through programs at the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and is funded through the Administration's Executive Budget, Function 150 account, for State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. […] As Congress considers potential authorizations and/or appropriations for initiatives administered through the GCCI, it may have questions concerning U.S. agency initiatives and current bilateral and multilateral programs that address global climate change. Some potential concerns may include cost, purpose, direction, efficiency, and effectiveness, as well as the GCCI's relationship to industry, investment, humanitarian efforts, national security, and international leadership. This report serves as a brief overview of the GCCI, its structure, intents, and funding history."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lattanzio, Richard K.

  2011-06-01
• Status of the Copenhagen Climate Change Negotiations [November 5, 2009]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The United States and almost 200 other countries are negotiating under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to address climate change cooperatively1 beyond the year 2012. Parties agreed to complete those negotiations by the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) scheduled for December 7-18, 2009, in Copenhagen. […] Negotiations had lagged through 2008. In December 2008, the then-incoming Obama Administration stated its policy to reduce U.S. emissions to 14% below 2005 levels by 2020. Optimism among many grew that the U.S. Congress would pass GHG [greenhouse gas] control legislation before the Copenhagen meeting, providing guidance to the executive branch negotiators regarding the elements of a treaty that the Senate would ultimately consent to ratify. The Obama position and passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of H.R. 2454 (the American Clean Energy and Security Act, ACES, or the 'Waxman-Markey' bill) have led to reinvigorated hopes of some people that consensus among countries could be found by December 2009 on a comprehensive Copenhagen agreement with quantified commitments. As the weeks remaining until December wane, with neither a U.S. GHG target nor U.S. financial offers, it becomes less likely that China and major non-Annex I country emitters would agree to GHG reduction commitments--which they have been strongly resisting. Smaller countries, concerned about the impacts of climate change on their welfare and economies, and looking to the United States and other large, wealthy countries for leadership on climate change, have become increasingly frustrated. Lack of strong political agreements has led to recent demonstrations in as many as 4,500 locations in 170 countries. More are planned during the Copenhagen meeting."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Leggett, Jane A.; Lattanzio, Richard K.

  2009-11-05
• Federal Climate Change Funding from FY2008 to FY 2014 [September 13, 2013]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Direct federal funding to address global climate change totaled approximately $77 billion from FY2008 [Fiscal Year] through FY2013. The large majority--more than 75%--has funded technology development and deployment, primarily through the Department of Energy (DOE). More than one-third of the identified funding was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5). The President's request for FY2014 contains $11.6 billion for federal expenditures on programs. In the request, 23% would be for science, 68% for energy technology development and deployment, 8% for international assistance, and 1% for adapting to climate change. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) also reports that energy tax provisions that may reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions would reduce tax revenues by $9.8 billion. […] This report summarizes direct federal funding identified as climate change-related from FY2008 enacted funding through FY2013 and the FY2014 request (as well as a less consistent series beginning with FY2001). It reports the Administration's estimates of tax revenues not received due to energy tax provisions that may reduce GHG emissions. The report briefly identifies the programs and funding levels, as well as some qualifications and observations on reporting of federal funding. It further offers some issues that Members may wish to consider in deliberating on U.S. climate change strategies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Leggett, Jane A.; Lattanzio, Richard K.; Bruner, Emily

  2013-09-13
• Discussion Draft of H.R. ____, 'Insular Area Climate Change Act', Legislative Hearing Before the Committee on Natural Resources, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, First Session, March 4, 2021

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  This is the March 4, 2021 legislative hearing on "Discussion Draft of H.R. ____, 'Insular Area Climate Change Act'," held before the House Committee on Natural Resources. From the opening statement of Raul M. Grijalva: "The Committee is meeting today to receive testimony on legislation authored to address issues related to our planet's changing climate and the impact it is having on our insular areas. [...] U.S. territories and Freely Associated States, also known as U.S.- affiliated insular areas, are on the front lines of the climate change crisis. In recent years, some territories have experienced major natural disasters stemming from climate change, including Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria in 2017, and Typhoon Yutu in 2018. Insular areas face sea-level rise, coastal erosion, temperature increases, and droughts like other jurisdictions. Nevertheless, insular areas experience additional vulnerabilities, such as an unequal access to Federal programs, an over-reliance on petroleum, and an existing infrastructure that fails to meet new hazard-mitigation codes." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Zena Grecni, Rafael A. Machargo Maldonado, Ada Monzon, Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, Austin Shelton, and Gerald M. Zackios.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2021
• Supreme Court's Climate Change Decision: 'Massachusetts v. EPA' [May 18, 2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "On April 2, 2007, the Supreme Court handed down 'Massachusetts v. EPA' [Environmental Protection Agency], its first pronouncement on climate change. By 5-4, the Court held that (1) Massachusetts had standing to sue, (2) Section 202 of the Clean Air Act authorizes EPA to regulate emissions from new motor vehicles on the basis of their possible climate change impacts, and (3) Section 202 does not authorize EPA to inject policy considerations into its decision whether to so regulate. The Court's decision leaves EPA with three options under the section: find that motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions may 'endanger public health or welfare' and issue emission standards, find that they do not satisfy that prerequisite, or decide that climate change science is so uncertain as to preclude making a finding either way. The decision also has implications for other climate-change- related litigation, particularly a pending suit seeking to compel EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources of emissions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meltz, Robert

  2007-05-18
• Status of the Copenhagen Climate Change Negotiations [December 9, 2009]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Overview: "The United States and almost 200 other countries are negotiating under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to address climate change cooperatively beyond the year 2012. Parties agreed to complete those negotiations by the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) scheduled for December 7-18, 2009, in Copenhagen. […] Negotiations had lagged through 2008. In December 2008, the then-incoming Obama Administration stated its policy to reduce U.S. emissions to 14% below 2005 levels by 2020. Optimism among many grew that the U.S. Congress would pass GHG [greenhouse gas] control legislation before the Copenhagen meeting, providing guidance to the executive branch negotiators regarding the elements of a treaty that the Senate would ultimately consent to ratify. The Obama position and passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of H.R. 2454 (the American Clean Energy and Security Act, ACES, or the 'Waxman-Markey' bill) have led to reinvigorated hopes of some people that consensus among countries could be found by December 2009 on a comprehensive Copenhagen agreement with quantified commitments. As the weeks remaining until December wane, with neither a U.S. GHG target nor U.S. financial offers, it becomes less likely that China and major non-Annex I country emitters would agree to GHG reduction commitments--which they have been strongly resisting. Smaller countries, concerned about the impacts of climate change on their welfare and economies, and looking to the United States and other large, wealthy countries for leadership on climate change, have become increasingly frustrated. Lack of strong political agreements has led to recent demonstrations in as many as 4,500 locations in 170 countries. More are planned during the Copenhagen meeting."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lattanzio, Richard K.; Leggett, Jane A.

  2009-12-09
• Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Executive Summary: "Climate change affects all Americans--regardless of socioeconomic status--and many impacts are projected to worsen as temperatures and sea levels continue to rise, snow and rainfall patterns shift, and some extreme weather events become more common. A growing body of literature focuses on the disproportionate and unequal risks that climate change is projected to have on communities that are least able to anticipate, cope with, and recover from adverse impacts. Many studies have discussed climate change impacts on socially vulnerable populations, but few have quantified disproportionate risks to socially vulnerable groups across multiple impacts and levels of global warming. This report contributes to a better understanding of the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations--defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age--may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change in six categories: Air Quality and Health; Extreme Temperature and Health; Extreme Temperature and Labor; Coastal Flooding and Traffic; Coastal Flooding and Property; and Inland Flooding and Property." This document includes charts, tables, and graphs to illustrate the text.

  United States. Environmental Protection Agency

  United States. Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Atmospheric Programs

  2021-09
• Development of Flood Regressions and Climate Change Scenarios To Explore Estimates of Future Peak Flows

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Abstract: "A new Web-based application, titled 'Application of Flood Regressions and Climate Change Scenarios To Explore Estimates of Future Peak Flows,' has been developed by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Transportation, that allows a user to apply a set of regression equations to estimate the magnitude of future floods for any stream or river in New York State (exclusive of Long Island) and the Lake Champlain Basin in Vermont. [...] These regression equations include several fixed landscape metrics that quantify aspects of watershed geomorphology, basin size, and land cover as well as a climate variable-either annual precipitation or annual runoff. The application uses predictions of future annual precipitation from five climate models and two future greenhouse gas emissions scenarios and provides results that are averaged over three future periods-2025 to 2049, 2050 to 2074, and 2075 to 2099. Results are presented in ensemble form as the mean, median, maximum, and minimum values among the five climate models for each greenhouse gas emissions scenario and period. These predictions of future annual precipitation are substituted into either the precipitation variable or a water balance equation for runoff to calculate potential future peak flows. This application is intended to be used only as an exploratory tool because (1) the regression equations on which the application is based have not been adequately tested outside the range of the current climate and (2) forecasting future precipitation with climate models and downscaling these results to a fine spatial resolution have a high degree of uncertainty. This report includes a discussion of the assumptions, uncertainties, and appropriate use of this exploratory application."

  United States. Department of the Interior; Geological Survey (U.S.)

  Burns, Douglas A., 1956-; Smith, Martyn J.; Freehafer, Douglas A.

  2015
• U.S. Energy Sector Vulnerabilities to Climate Change and Extreme Weather

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Since the start of the 20th century, average annual temperatures across the contiguous United States have increased approximately 1.5°F (0.8°C) [...]. Recent weather conditions are no exception to this trend. July 2012 was the hottest month in the United States since record keeping began in 1895, and 2012 was the warmest year overall, marked by historic high temperatures and droughts, above average wildfires, multiple intense storms that disrupted power to millions, and multiple extreme heat waves [...]. More than 60% of the country experienced drought during the summer of 2012, including some areas of exceptional drought [...]. These trends, which are expected to continue [...], could restrict the supply of secure, sustainable, and affordable energy critical to the nation's economic growth. At least three major climate trends are relevant to the energy sector: [1] Increasing air and water temperatures [2] Decreasing water availability in some regions and seasons [3] Increasing intensity and frequency of storm events, flooding, and sea level rise[.] This report--part of the Administration's efforts to support national climate change adaptation planning through the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force and Strategic Sustainability Planning process established under Executive Order 13514 and to advance the U.S. Department of Energy's goal of promoting energy security--examines current and potential future impacts of these climate trends on the U.S. energy sector. It identifies activities underway to address these challenges and discusses potential opportunities to enhance energy technologies that are more climate-resilient, as well as information, stakeholder engagement, and policies and strategies to further enable their deployment."

  United States. Department of Energy

  Newmark, Robin; Steinberg, Daniel; Macknick, Jordan . . .

  2013-07
• Climate Change Risk Mitigation by U.S. Foreign Assistance Agencies [Updated January 5, 2021]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "This report focuses on agencies' planning to reduce the risk of climate change for operations and programs; it does not include analysis of programming aimed at addressing developing countries' own climate risk. Specifically, this report discusses how the foreign assistance agencies--the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Peace Corps, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and the Development Finance Corporation--are addressing climate change in their respective internal operations and overseas work planning. The report also discusses key issues that may be of interest to Congress as it considers future funding for and oversight of these activities. These issues include options for congressional input, the relationship of climate risk to other priorities such as environmental degradation, and responsibilities for climate risk management within and among U.S. foreign assistance agencies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brown, Nick M.; Morgenstern, Emily M.

  2021-01-05
• Climate Change: Selected Federal Economic Development Tools and Policy Considerations [April 22, 2021]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Social, economic, and ecological risks associated with climate change, such as those documented in the U.S. Fourth National Climate Assessment and by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, have significant economic development implications. These include increased demand for federal economic development interventions, such as for infrastructure resiliency, and support for labor and economic dislocations resulting from energy transition. This In Focus considers potential federal economic development tools to help address climate change, as well as policy considerations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cecire, Michael; Leggett, Jane A.

  2021-04-22
• Brief Comparison of Two Climate Change Mitigation Approaches: Cap-and-Trade and Carbon Tax (Or Fee) [February 12, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Almost all climate scientists agree that greenhouse gas (GHG) emission increases have contributed to observed climate change and that continued increases in GHG emissions will contribute to future climate change. Although a variety of efforts seeking to reduce GHG emissions are currently underway on the international level and in individual states or regional partnerships, federal policymakers and stakeholders have different viewpoints over what to do--if anything--about GHG emissions, future climate change, and related impacts. For policymakers considering actions to reduce GHG emissions, various policy instruments are available. Over the last 15 years, many legislative proposals have involved market-based approaches, such as a GHG emissions cap-and-trade system or a carbon tax. These particular approaches may be considered in the 116th Congress and are discussed below. The information below provides an overview of two approaches while briefly addressing their similarities and differences."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Ramseur, Jonathan L.

  2019-02-12
• A Brief Comparison of Two Climate Change Mitigation Approaches: Cap-and-Trade and Carbon Tax (or Fee) [Updated January 12, 2021]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the document: "Almost all climate scientists agree that greenhouse gas (GHG) emission increases have contributed to observed climate change and that continued increases in GHG emissions will contribute to future climate change. Although a variety of efforts seeking to reduce GHG emissions are currently underway on the international level and in individual states or regional partnerships, federal policymakers and stakeholders have different viewpoints over what to do--if anything--about GHG emissions, future climate change, and related impacts."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Ramseur, Jonathan L.

  2021-01-12
• Climate Change Legislation in the 113th Congress [March 12, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "In the 113th Congress, Members have introduced multiple bills that include provisions that would directly or indirectly address climate change-related issues. In some cases, it is difficult to distinguish between direct and indirect climate change bills, because a specific bill or action may seek to achieve multiple objectives. The bills listed in this report include provisions that 'directly' address climate change, as opposed to those that primarily address other issues (e.g., energy efficiency) but could have ancillary impacts on climate."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Ramseur, Jonathan L.

  2014-03-12
• Climate Change Legislation in the 113th Congress [September 16, 2013]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "In the 113th Congress, Members have introduced multiple bills that include provisions that would directly or indirectly address climate change-related issues. In some cases, it is difficult to distinguish between direct and indirect climate change bills, because a specific bill or action may seek to achieve multiple objectives. The bills listed in this report include provisions that 'directly' address climate change, as opposed to those that primarily address other issues (e.g., energy efficiency) but could have ancillary impacts on climate."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Ramseur, Jonathan L.

  2013-09-16
• Paris Agreement: United States, China Move to Become Parties to Climate Change Treaty [September 12, 2016]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "On September 3, 2016, the United States and China consented to be bound by the international Paris Agreement (PA) to address greenhouse-gas-induced climate change. The PA was negotiated under the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which the United States ratified in 1992 with the advice and consent of the Senate. The UNFCCC set an objective of 'stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system'--implicitly requiring that human-related net emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) ultimately decline to near zero. The UNFCCC outlined general obligations for all Parties plus specific obligations of the then-wealthiest countries, regarding national policies and measures to mitigate GHG emissions, assistance to developing countries, reporting, and reviews. [...] In the PA, 195 nations plus the EU adopted a structure for Parties to pledge measures every five years to abate their GHG emissions, adapt to climate change, and cooperate to these ends, including mobilization of financial and other resources. A single framework to promote transparency and track progress of Parties' efforts applies, for the first time, to all Parties--whether wealthy or not--in line with their capacities. The PA is intended to be legally binding on Parties, though not all provisions within it are mandatory or, arguably, enforceable."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Leggett, Jane A.

  2016-09-12
• Declaration of Leaders Meeting of Major Economies on Energy Security and Climate Change [July 9, 2008]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  This declaration of the leaders of Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States declares their commitment to combat climate change. "To enable the full, effective, and sustained implementation of the Convention between now and 2012, we will: Work together on mitigation-related technology cooperation strategies in specific economic sectors, promote the exchange of mitigation information and analysis on sectoral efficiency, the identification of national technology needs and voluntary, action-oriented international cooperation, and consider the role of cooperative sectoral approaches and sector-specific actions, consistent with the Convention; Direct our trade officials responsible for WTO issues to advance with a sense of urgency their discussions on issues relevant to promoting our cooperation on climate change; Accelerate enhanced action on technology development, transfer, financing, and capacity building to support mitigation and adaptation efforts; Support implementation of the Nairobi Work Programme on impacts, vulnerability, and adaptation to climate change; Improve significantly energy efficiency, a low-cost way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security; Continue to promote actions under the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer for the benefit of the global climate system; and Intensify our efforts without delay within existing fora to improve effective greenhouse gas measurement."

  United States. White House Office

  2008-07-09
• Climate Change Indicators in the United States, 2012 [Second Edition]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Earth's climate is changing. Scientists are confident that many of the observed changes in the climate can be linked to the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, caused largely by people burning fossil fuels to generate electricity, heat and cool buildings, and power vehicles (see 'The Greenhouse Effect' below to learn about how these gases trap heat). Current and future emissions will continue to increase the levels of these gases in our atmosphere for the foreseeable future. One way to track and communicate the causes and effects of climate change is through the use of indicators. An indicator, such as a record of Arctic sea ice extent, represents the state or trend of certain environmental conditions over a given area and a specified period of time. Scientists, analysts, decision-makers, and others use environmental indicators, including those related to climate, to help monitor environmental trends over time, track key factors that influence the environment, and identify effects on ecosystems and society."

  United States. Environmental Protection Agency

  2012-12
• FY 2013 Federal Agency Climate Change Adaptation Plans: Summary of Research and Information Needs

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This document outlines the common research and information themes and needs identified through a thorough analysis of the 27 Federal agency plans publicly available to the ASIWG [Adaptation Science Interagency Workgroup] in February 2013 when the development of this summary began, and the existing efforts that may align with those themes and needs. This distilled information can help Federal Agencies and public and private-sector partners to: [1] Understand the current most common research and information needs for adaptation as identified by agencies; [2] Connect to existing tools and resources that may help meet their needs; [3] Enhance and guide conversations between existing USGCRP [U.S. Global Change Research Program] Interagency Working Groups (IWGs) about how best to meet those needs; and [5] Inform future Federal research agendas related to climate change adaptation, preparedness, and resilience-building actions. This summary report can inform work toward advancing the preparedness-related goals and actions laid out in the President's Climate Action Plan by providing example applications of several tools and resources already available for addressing common Federal agency adaptation needs. This document can also inform the development of research strategies to enable science-producing Federal agencies to continue producing climate science and climate change information that can be translated into forms useful for on-the-ground action to prepare, adapt, and build resilience."

  U.S. Global Change Research Program

  2013-08
• Budget Issues: Opportunities to Reduce Federal Fiscal Exposures Through Greater Resilience to Climate Change and Extreme Weather, Statement of Alfredo Gomez, Director Natural Resources and Environment, Testimony Before the Committee on the Budget, U.S. Senate

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Certain types of extreme weather events have become more frequent or intense according to the United States Global Change Research Program, including prolonged periods of heat, heavy downpours, and, in some regions, floods and droughts. While it is not possible to link any individual weather event to climate change, the impacts of these events affect many sectors of our economy, including the budgets of federal, state, and local governments. GAO [Government Accountability Office] focuses particular attention on government operations it identifies as posing a 'high risk' to the American taxpayer and, in February 2013, added to its High Risk List the area Limiting the Federal Government's Fiscal Exposure by Better Managing Climate Change Risks. GAO's past work has identified a variety of fiscal exposures--responsibilities, programs, and activities that may explicitly or implicitly expose the federal government to future spending. This testimony is based on reports GAO issued from August 2007 to May 2014, and discusses (1) federal fiscal exposures resulting from climate-related and extreme weather impacts on critical infrastructure and federal lands, and (2) how improved federal technical assistance to all levels of government can help reduce climate-related fiscal exposures. GAO is not making new recommendations but has made numerous recommendations in prior reports on this topic, which are in varying states of implementation by the Executive Office of the President and federal agencies."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2014-07-29
• Optimizing Historical Preservation Under Climate Change-- An Overview of the Optimal Preservation Model and Pilot Testing at Cape Lookout National Seashore

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Adapting cultural resources to climate-change effects challenges traditional cultural resource decision making because some adaptation strategies can negatively affect the integrity of cultural resources. Yet, the inevitability of climate-change effects--even given the uncertain timing of those effects--necessitates that managers begin prioritizing resources for climate-change adaptation. Prioritization imposes an additional management challenge: managers must make difficult trade offs to achieve desired management out-comes related to maximizing the resource values. This report provides an overview of a pilot effort to integrate vulnerability (exposure and sensitivity), significance, and use potential metrics in a decision framework--the Optimal Preservation (OptiPres) Model--to inform climate adaptation planning of a subset of buildings in historic districts (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) at Cape Lookout National Sea-shore."

  Geological Survey (U.S.); United States. Department of the Interior

  Seekamp, Erin; Post van der Burg, Max; Fatorić, Sandra . . .

  2019
• International Agreements on Climate Change: Selected Legal Questions [April 12, 2010]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) opened for signature in 1992 and soon thereafter was ratified by the United States. The UNFCCC does not set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets, and during ratification hearings, the George H.W. Bush Administration represented that any protocol or amendment to the UNFCCC creating binding GHG emissions targets would be submitted to the Senate for its advice and consent. The Kyoto Protocol (the Protocol) to the UNFCCC was intended as a first step towards implementing the UNFCCC. To that end, it sets quantitative emission reduction targets for the high income countries listed in its Annex B. The Protocol's goal is to reduce each parties' overall emissions by at least 5% below 1990 levels by 2012. […] In 2007, the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali adopted a framework for negotiations over the post-2012 climate regime. It established two tracks for negotiation: (1) a track by which Kyoto Protocol parties would pursue an amendment to the Protocol for a 'second round' of emission targets for its Annex B parties, and (2) a track by which UNFCCC parties would set GHG mitigation targets or actions for all parties. […] The labels 'convention,' 'protocol,' and 'accord' are not clear indicators of whether these three climate change agreements are binding internationally and/or domestically. Under international law, an agreement is considered binding only if it conveys the intention of its parties to create legally binding relationships and has entered into force. However, some have suggested that enforceability, rather than intentions, should govern whether an agreement is 'legally binding.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Barbour, Emily C.

  2010-04-12
• Climate Change, Crowd-Sourcing, and Conserving Aquatic Biotas in the Rocky Mountains This Century

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Climate change is causing rapid changes to stream habitats across the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest as warmer air temperatures and changes in precipitation increase stream temperatures, alter stream hydrology, and increase the extent and magnitude of natural disturbances related to droughts and wildfires. These changes are affecting trout, salmon, and other fish populations, many of which are already subject to substantial non-climate stressors. Fish habitats at lower elevations--near the downstream edges of species distributions--are particularly vulnerable. However, three Rocky Mountain Research scientists are conducting research and developing applied management tools that harness the power of crowd-sourcing to generate information and create opportunities for collaboration and resource allocation decisions that may help to conserve some of the aquatic biotas currently at risk. This is enabling adaptation to move forward at a scale and pace more appropriate to the challenges posed by climate change."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

  2014-07
• How Do Bank Regulators Treat Climate Change Risks? [November 25, 2020]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Potential risks to the financial system from climate change have attracted growing attention in government, academia, and media, raising questions about the roles of central banks and bank regulators in addressing such risks. The U.S. central bank, the Federal Reserve (Fed), has responsibilities involving financial stability, monetary policy, and banking supervision. Climate change--defined in a November 9, 2020, Fed report as 'the trend toward higher average global temperatures and accompanying environmental shifts such as rising sea levels and more severe weather events'--may impact each of these. This could occur either through physical risks, such as greater storms and wildfires, or through 'transition risk,' meaning the risk that changed government policies or market perceptions might lead to sudden asset price drops, such as for carbon-emitting industries. The Fed report on financial stability warned that sudden hazards can bring about direct losses that could negatively impact banks' investments. It asserted that even slowly developing hazards such as rising sea levels could lead to sudden price drops for bank investments if abrupt changes in public perceptions about such risks emerges. This Insight focuses on the central bank's role in banking supervision and climate change risks and on what the Fed and other banking regulators have done to address such risks."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Miller, Rena S.

  2020-11-25
• Global Climate Change: National Security Implications [2007]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  The key points of this article are as follows: "1. Climate change is underway. The effects will vary according to a broad variety of circumstances and interactions, some of which are not well-understood. Likewise, mitigation is not wellunderstood, and will not take place quickly. 2. The national security implications of climate change are proportional both to the speed of change and the extent. Public awareness should follow a coordinated strategic communication plan that focuses on maintaining credibility. 3. Threats to national survival stemming from catastrophic change must be anticipated, evaluated, and neutralized to the greatest degree possible. 4. The entire range of plausible threats needs to be delineated, then analyzed and early warning criteria established. The alternative approaches and cost-benefit analyses must be run to establish what can be done, when, and at what cost. 5. While military forces have roles in disaster relief, the broader impact of serious climate change will require multinational, multi-agency cooperation on a scale heretofore unimaginable and could provide no-fault ground for global cooperation. 6. Effective interagency action may require new legislation and better definition of Department of Homeland Security authority. 7. Should global cooperative measures fail, the first impact will likely come from large numbers of displaced people who, by the very nature of their displacement, will become subject to malnutrition and disease; agricultural dislocation could aggravate or spark displacement and border security issues could arise as well."

  Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute

  Johnson, Douglas V.

  2007
• Colloquium Brief - Global Climate Change: National Security Implications

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Climate change is underway. The effects will vary according to a broad variety of circumstances and interactions, some of which are not well-understood. Likewise, mitigation is not well understood, and will not take place quickly. The national security implications of climate change are proportional both to the speed of change and the extent. Public awareness should follow a coordinated strategic communication plan that focuses on maintaining credibility. Threats to national survival stemming from catastrophic change must be anticipated, evaluated, and neutralized to the greatest degree possible. The entire range of plausible threats needs to be delineated, then analyzed and early warning criteria established. The alternative approaches and cost-benefit analyses must be run to establish what can be done, when, and at what cost. While military forces have roles in disaster relief, the broader impact of serious climate change will require multinational, multi-agency cooperation on a scale heretofore unimaginable and could provide no-fault ground for global cooperation. Effective interagency action may require new legislation and better definition of Department of Homeland Security authority. Should global cooperative measures fail, the first impact will likely come from large numbers of displaced people who, by the very nature of their displacement, will become subject to malnutrition and disease; agricultural dislocation could aggravate or spark displacement and border security issues could arise as well."

  Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute

  Johnson, Douglas V.

  2007-03