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).

• Fact Sheet: U.S.-India Green Partnership to Address Energy Security, Climate Change, and Food Security [November 24, 2009]

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

  This factsheet holds information regarding President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Green Partnership, and reaffirms "their countries' strong commitment to [...] combat climate change, ensur[es] their mutual energy security, [and their work] towards global food security, and building a clean energy economy that will drive investment, job creation, and economic growth throughout the 21st century." Prime Minister Singh and President Obama agreed to strengthen U.S.-India cooperation several issues during their meeting including: clean energy, climate change, and food security by launching" several initiatives discussed in this November 24, 2009 press release.

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2009-11-24
• Climate Change and Vulnerable Societies: A Post-Bali Overview, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Tenth Congress, First Session, February 27, 2008

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

  From the opening statement of Eni F.H. Faleomavaega: "In December of last year, I attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Bali, Indonesia. Negotiations at the conference were regarded as a necessary step forward for the world community, given that the Kyoto Protocol expires in the year 2012. However, negotiations prove and continue to be a challenge, especially considering that it remains difficult for the United States, developing countries which are major emitters and parties to the Kyoto Protocol to reach agreement on the nature of commitments. Divisions remain between developed and developing countries, and the United States, whose role is critical in my humble opinion, continues to reject mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Also, Australia announced at the Bali conference that it will sign the Kyoto Protocol, making the United States one of the few countries that has not signed on to the Kyoto Protocol. Being the only major country that has not signed the Protocol, I believe, how can the United States advance international cooperation on global warming and climate change?" Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Harlan Watson, Mason F. Smith, Charles Paul, Masao Nakayama, Marlene Moses, Ali'ioaiga Feturi Elisaia, Donald A. Manzullo, Stuart Beck, Raymond C. Offenheiser, and Eni F.H. Faleomavaega.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2008
• Examining DHS's Misplaced Focus on Climate Change, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, July 8, 2015

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

  This is the July 8, 2015 hearing on "Examining DHS's Misplaced Focus on Climate Change," held before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Scott Perry: "The Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency will come to order. The purpose of this hearing is to examine the Department of Homeland Security's rhetoric and actions regarding the subject of climate change and homeland security. The Chair now recognizes itself for an opening statement. Our Nation is facing serious threats to our security. Thousands of foreign fighters have joined the ranks of ISIS to wage a global jihadi war. Hundreds of these fighters are returning to Europe and the United States, raising the risk of domestic terror attacks. Our cyber networks are under siege by foreign governments, hacktivists, and other groups. In the latest cyber attack against the Office of Personnel Management, untold millions of current and former Federal employees' information was stolen, including highly sensitive background information used for vetting security clearances. The threats we face are significant, numerous, and on multiple fronts. Yet the recent reports of a 96 percent failure rate by airport screeners show that our security programs are vulnerable and of questionable effectiveness." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Thomas P. Smith, Roy Wright, Robert Kolasky, and Marc A. Levy.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2016
• Using Technology to Address Climate Change, Hearing Before the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, Second Session, May 16, 2018

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

  This is the May 16, 2018 hearing on "Using Technology to Address Climate Change" held before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. From the Hearing Charter: "The purpose of the hearing is to examine climate change response policy. This hearing will emphasize the need for policy planning to account for technological developments designed to adapt to future conditions." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Oren Cass, Ted Nordhaus, and Phil Duffy.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2018
• How Climate Change Threatens U.S. National Security, Hearing Before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, First Session, April 2, 2019

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

  This is the April 2, 2019 hearing titled "How Climate Change Threatens U.S. National Security" held before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of William Keating: "This morning the committee will examine the national and international security implications of climate change." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Dennis V. McGinn, Sherri Goodman, Paul Weisenfeld, and Barry K. Worthington.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2019
• Policy Options to Prevent Climate Change, Hearing Before the Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Second Session, September 18, 2008

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

  From the opening statement of Jim McCrery: "Last February, we held our first hearing on climate change issues. At that time, I suggested that any legislation designed to address global climate change should be examined in the context of America's need for energy security. On the day of that hearing, the average price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States was about $2.42. It's now about $3.75. Even though global crude oil prices are falling, the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike, particularly on our strained refining capacity, threatens to push those prices even higher. As we listen to today's witnesses, I hope we will keep those prices in mind and ask those witnesses and ourselves how much higher carbon taxes or cap and trade systems might push energy prices in this country. We also need to examine how those higher prices translate into job losses, both from the contraction of our economy, as well as from the movement of manufacturing jobs to countries that don't take similar steps to reduce carbon emissions. Perhaps just as importantly, we should ask whether those higher prices would result in any measurable reductions in any global greenhouse gas emissions and global temperatures." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Jim McCrery, Michael Bloomberg, Peter R. Orszag, Carol Browner, Dallas Burtraw, Robert E. Lighthizer, Timothy J. Regan, Frank Ackerman, Daniel R. Abbasi, Jerome Ringo, Peter Barnes, William W. Millar, David W. Kreutzer, James Culliton, Julian Keniry, Will Wynn, Robert J. King, Gary Clyde Hufbauer, Shawnee Hoover, Stephen A. Smith, Thomas J. Gibson, Accor Services USA, Environmental Defense Fund, Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society International, Industrial Energy Consumers of America, and VPSI.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2011
• Potential Impacts of Accelerated Climate Change

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

  From the Abstract: "This study is part of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) Probabilistic Flood Hazard Assessment (PFHA) research plan that aims to develop regulatory tools and guidance to support and enhance the NRC's capacity to perform thorough and efficient reviews of license applications and license amendment requests. [...] Drawing primarily from the climate assessment reports and peer-reviewed literature, this Year 2 annual report summarizes the observed climate, its past changes, and its projected changes, as well as 21st century hydrologic impacts in the Southeast Region."

  United States. Department of Energy; Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (U.S.)

  Leung, L.R.; Prasad, R.

  2019-07
• Climate Change and International Responses Increasing Challenges to US National Security Through 2040

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

  From the Scope Note: "This National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) is in response to a Presidential tasking to assess the national security impacts of climate change. While climate change effects are forecast to intensify in the latter half of the 21st century and continue well beyond 2100, based on current emissions trends and technologies, this NIE assesses the near- (5-10 years) and medium-term (10-20 years) geopolitical implications abroad--we do not assess impacts to the homeland or DOD facilities."

  United States. Office of the Director of National Intelligence

  2021-10-21?
• Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change, and Nuclear Safety of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, May 20, 2004

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

  From the opening statement of George V. Voinovich, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change, and Nuclear Safety, Before the Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change, and Nuclear Safety of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, U.S. Senate, from the hearing entitled "Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission" held on May 20, 2004: "Nuclear power is necessary and a sound part of our energy future. It makes sense for our environment and for our economy. It is a reliable and stable source of energy, providing 20 percent of the country's electricity with zero harmful air emissions. In my State it provides about 12 percent of the energy that is produced. In order to harmonize our economic, energy, and environmental needs, nuclear power must continue to grow. The NRC plays a vital role in its future. The three basic components of NRC's mission are to regulate the Nation's civilian use of nuclear materials in order to promote the common defense and security, protect the environment, and ensure fail safe protection of public health and safety. While we so often talk about the goals of our Agencies, we need to also talk about whether they have the work force and the budget to get the job done. We have goals that we set. Too often, my observation has been, that we do not spend enough time on the human resources and the budget we need to get the job done. […] The No. 1 issue for the NRC is safety. Period. There is no greater issue. It is critical that the NRC be a credible Agency that can guarantee the safety of the Nation's 103 operating nuclear plants."

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004-05-20
• Mid-Atlantic Forest Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment and Synthesis: A Report from the Mid-Atlantic Climate Change Response Framework Project

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

  "This assessment is designed to provide detailed information for forest ecosystems across the Mid-Atlantic region. Several independent efforts related to climate change, natural ecosystems, and human well-being are also occurring at the state level. This assessment complements other assessments that have been created for the Mid-Atlantic region. The Framework project will also work to integrate the results and outcomes from other projects related to climate change and natural resource management."

  United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service

  2018-10
• Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 1322, a Bill to Require a Report on the Effects of Climate Change on the Coast Guard, and for Other Purposes, March 27, 2019

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

  From the Document: "H.R. 1322 would require the Coast Guard (USCG) to report to the Congress, within one year, on the agency's potential vulnerability to climate-related hazards. For example, the bill would require the USCG to identify the 10 installations that are most vulnerable to risks of rising sea tides, increased flooding, droughts, desertification, wildfires, thawing permafrost, or any other risks identified by the Commandant. The bill would require the USCG to report on potential means of mitigating such risks to those installations and, more broadly, to discuss how climate-related changes affect the agency's operations, particularly with regard to humanitarian assistance. Using information from the USCG, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] expects that implementing H.R. 1322 would not significantly affect the federal budget. Based on the historical cost of similar efforts, CBO estimates that any change in federal spending to complete the required report--which would be subject to appropriation--would not exceed $500,000."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2019-04-25
• Effects of Climate Change on Volcanic Emissions and Health Security in Hawaii by 2050

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

  "While it is commonly understood that climate change will modify the weather, it is also predicted to influence volcanic emissions directly. It will thus have a significant effect on the geophysical properties of the planet, as well as the exposure of humans to emissions of ash, dust and aerosols. Because of local topography, communities in the Hawaiian Islands are exposed to different concentrations and compositions of volcanic air pollution, depending on the volume of volcanic emissions, the speed and direction of the wind, humidity and precipitation, and the height of the inversion layer. Health effects from vog exposure vary greatly among individuals. People with preexisting respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis are more prone to experience the adverse effects of vog. In Hawaii, there has been an increase in the prevalence of asthma since at least 2000 that has been anecdotally attributed to vog. Investigating possible alternative causes, researchers found significant increases in sensitivity of adults to indoor aeroallergens, particularly those originating from dust mites, cockroaches, cats and dogs. Climate change may actually play an indirect causal role by encouraging human behavior that exposes people to irritating indoor environmental influences, which subjects may then speciously associate with vog exposure."

  Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies

  Canyon, Deon; Campbell, J.R.

  2017-08?
• Climate Change in the American Mind, April 2020

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

  From the Executive Summary: "This survey was fielded from April 7 - 17, 2020, during which time a large percentage of the U.S. population was sheltering at home due to the novel coronavirus (COVID­-19) epidemic. Social science theory and prior research suggest that people have a 'finite pool of worry,' such that worrying about one issue will decrease concern about other issues. In a national survey on American Responses to COVID­-19, conducted separately from this survey, we found that most American adults were quite worried about COVID­-19 in April, and justifiably so given the large number of deaths and serious illnesses it was causing at the time. Given the finite pool of worry hypothesis, we were prepared to find dramatically reduced levels of concern about climate change in this survey. Although we did find a slight decline in the proportion of Americans who report being 'very worried' about climate change since our previous survey in November 2019, overall, the results of the current survey are remarkably consistent with our previous survey, with several indicators of public engagement actually reaching record levels."

  Yale Project on Climate Change Communication; George Mason University. Center for Climate Change Communication

  Leiserowitz, Anthony A.; Maibach, Edward; Rosenthal, Seth . . .

  2020-04
• Five Lessons from COVID-19 for Advancing Climate Change Mitigation

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

  From the Abstract: "The nexus of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] and climate change has so far brought attention to short-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, public health responses and clean recovery stimulus packages. We take a more holistic approach, making five broad comparisons between the crises with five associated lessons for climate change mitigation policy. First, delay is costly. Second, policy design must overcome biases to human judgment. Third, inequality can be exacerbated without timely action. Fourth, global problems require multiple forms of international cooperation. Fifth, transparency of normative positions is needed to navigate value judgments at the science-policy interface. Learning from policy actions during the COVID-19 crisis could enhance efforts to reduce GHG emissions and prepare humanity for future crises."

  Institute for New Economic Thinking

  Klenert, David; Funke, Franziska; Mattauch, Linus . . .

  2020-06-12
• Federal Agency Actions Following the Supreme Court's Climate Change Decision: A Chronology [April 6, 2011]

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

  "On April 2, 2007, the Supreme Court rendered one of its most important environmental decisions of all time. In Massachusetts v. EPA, the Court held that greenhouse gases (GHGs), widely viewed as contributing to climate change, constitute 'air pollutants' as that phrase is used in the Clean Air Act (CAA). As a result, said the Court, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had improperly denied a petition seeking CAA regulation of GHGs from new motor vehicles by saying the agency lacked authority over such emissions. This report presents a chronology of major federal agency actions, mainly by EPA, in the wake of Massachusetts v. EPA. Most of the listed actions trace directly or indirectly back to the decision-- EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles, the agency's standards for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles, its interpretation of the phrase 'pollutants subject to regulation' (the CAA trigger for requiring BACT for such pollutants in 'prevention of significant deterioration' areas), guidance for determining BACT for GHG emissions, the 'tailoring rule' (limiting the stationary sources that initially will have to install BACT and obtain CAA Title V permits based on GHG emissions), and recently announced settlements of litigation seeking to compel EPA to promulgate new source performance standards (NSPSs) for GHG emissions from electric generating units (power plants) and petroleum refineries. A few agency actions were included solely because of their relevance to climate change and their post- Massachusetts occurrence--for example, EPA's responses to California's request for a waiver of CAA preemption allowing that state to set its own limits for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles, and EPA's monitoring rule for GHG emissions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meltz, Robert

  2011-04-06
• Federal Agency Actions Following the Supreme Court's Climate Change Decision: A Chronology [December 23, 2010]

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

  "On April 2, 2007, the Supreme Court rendered one of its most important environmental decisions of all time. In Massachusetts v. EPA, the Court held that greenhouse gases (GHGs), widely viewed as contributing to climate change, constitute 'air pollutants' as that phrase is used in the Clean Air Act (CAA). As a result, said the Court, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had improperly denied a petition seeking CAA regulation of GHGs from new motor vehicles by saying the agency lacked authority over such emissions. This report presents a chronology of major federal agency actions, mainly by EPA, in the wake of Massachusetts v. EPA. Most of the listed actions trace directly or indirectly back to the decision-- EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles, the agency's standards for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles, its interpretation of the phrase 'pollutants subject to regulation' (the CAA trigger for requiring 'best available control technology' for such pollutants in 'prevention of significant deterioration' areas), guidance for determining best available control technology for GHG emissions, the 'tailoring rule' (limiting the stationary sources that initially will have to install best available control technology and obtain CAA Title V permits based on GHG emissions), and recently announced settlements of litigation seeking to compel EPA to promulgate new source performance standards (NSPSs) for GHG emissions from electric generating units (power plants) and petroleum refineries. A few agency actions were included solely because of their relevance to climate change and their post-Massachusetts occurrence--for example, EPA's responses to California's request for a waiver of CAA preemption allowing that state to set its own limits for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles, and EPA's monitoring rule for GHG emissions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meltz, Robert

  2010-12-23
• Federal Agency Actions Following the Supreme Court's Climate Change Decision: A Chronology [December 3, 2010]

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

  "On April 2, 2007, the Supreme Court rendered one of its most important environmental decisions of all time. In Massachusetts v. EPA, the Court held that greenhouse gases (GHGs), widely viewed as contributing to climate change, constitute 'air pollutants' as that phrase is used in the Clean Air Act (CAA). As a result, said the Court, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had improperly denied a petition seeking CAA regulation of GHGs from new motor vehicles by saying the agency lacked authority over such emissions. This report presents a chronology of major federal agency actions taken in the wake of Massachusetts v. EPA. Most of the listed actions trace directly or indirectly back to the decision-- EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHGs from new motor vehicles, the agency's proposed standards for such vehicles, its interpretation of the phrase 'subject to regulation' (the CAA trigger for requiring 'best available control technology' in 'prevention of significant deterioration' areas), guidance for determining best available control technology, and the 'tailoring rule' (limiting the stationary sources that initially will have to install best available control technology and obtain CAA Title V permits). A few agency actions were included solely because of their relevance to climate change and their post-Massachusetts occurrence--for example, EPA's responses to California's request for a waiver of CAA preemption allowing that state to set its own limits for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles, and EPA's monitoring rule for GHG emissions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meltz, Robert

  2010-12-03
• Climate Change: The Role of the U.S. Agriculture Sector [May 5, 2008]

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

  "The agriculture sector is a source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which many scientists agree are contributing to observed climate change. Agriculture is also a 'sink' for sequestering carbon, which might offset GHG emissions by capturing and storing carbon in agricultural soils. The two key types of GHG emissions associated with agricultural activities are methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Agricultural sources of CH4 emissions mostly occur as part of the natural digestive process of animals and manure management at livestock operations; sources of N2O emissions are associated with soil management and fertilizer use on croplands. This report describes these emissions on a carbon-equivalent basis to illustrate agriculture's contribution to total national GHG emissions and to contrast emissions against estimates of sequestered carbon. […] The 110th Congress is considering a range of climate change policy options, including mandatory GHG emission reduction programs. The current legislative proposals would not require emission reductions in the agriculture and forestry sectors. However, some of the GHG emission reduction programs would allow the agriculture and forestry sectors to generate carbon offsets, whereby participating farmers and landowners could generate (and sell) carbon offsets and credits associated with carbon capture and storage, emissions reductions, and/or other implemented environmental improvements. Also, as part of the pending omnibus farm bill debate, there are provisions in the House and Senate versions of the bill (H.R. 2419) that could expand the scope of existing farmland conservation programs that contribute to emissions reductions and carbon storage in agricultural activities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Johnson, Renée

  2008-05-05
• Carbon Cycle: Implications for Climate Change and Congress [March 13, 2008]

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

  "Huge quantities of carbon are actively exchanged between the atmosphere and other storage pools, including the oceans, vegetation, and soils on the land surface. The exchange, or flux, of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, and land surface is called the global carbon cycle. Comparatively, human activities contribute a relatively small amount of carbon, primarily as carbon dioxide (CO2), to the global carbon cycle. Despite the addition of a relatively small amount of carbon to the atmosphere, compared to natural fluxes from the oceans and land surface, the human perturbation to the carbon cycle is increasingly recognized as a main factor driving climate change over the past 50 years. […] Congress is considering legislative strategies to reduce U.S. emissions of CO2 and/or increase the uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere. Congress may also opt to consider how land management practices, such as afforestation, conservation tillage, and other techniques, might increase the net flux of carbon from the atmosphere to the land surface. How the ocean sink could be managed to store more carbon is unclear. Iron fertilization and deep ocean injection of CO2 are in an experimental stage, and their promise for long-term enhancement of carbon uptake by the oceans is not well understood. Congress may consider incorporating what is known about the carbon cycle into its legislative strategies, and may also evaluate whether the global carbon cycle is sufficiently well understood so that the consequences of longterm policies aimed at mitigating global climate change are fully appreciated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin)

  2008-03-13
• International Climate Change: A Negotiations Side-by-Side [November 18, 2010]

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

  "From November 29 to December 10, 2010, the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and to its subsidiary Kyoto Protocol plan to meet in Cancun, Mexico. While the political agreement enshrined in the Copenhagen Accord of 2009 hangs in the background, ad hoc processes under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol proceed separately. There is no common view on how to make further progress on these two tracks, or on how to produce one or two comprehensive and consistent agreements to govern commitments after 2012, except on a handful of limited topics (described further below and in Table 1). The United States, along with a few other countries, insists that all elements under negotiation be agreed simultaneously, as a package that carefully balances the interests of different Parties. Other Parties, including China and many developing countries, seek decisions on those elements where Parties concur (such as on provision of financial assistance, preventing deforestation, and promoting technological advance), without requiring agreement on the more controversial elements (such as binding GHG reductions by Non-Annex I Parties). Many Parties, particularly those least developed and perceived as most vulnerable to climate change, are calling for the Cancun meeting to set a mandate to negotiate a 'comprehensive and ambitious' agreement by the subsequent meetings of the Parties in late 2011, to be held in South Africa."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Leggett, Jane A.

  2010-11-18
• Climate Change and International Deforestation: Legislative Analysis [August 22, 2008]

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

  "Deforestation accounts for nearly 20% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Deforestation results in carbon emissions when trees and underlying vegetation are burning or decomposing. Deforested areas that are later cultivated also release carbon to the atmosphere when soil carbon is oxidized. Further, deforested areas converted to other land uses (e.g., pastures) might sequester less carbon than forests, enabling greater levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. Providing incentives to prevent deforestation in foreign countries has been proposed in climate change legislation. An objective of this legislation is to provide funding from carbon markets to assist foreign countries in reducing deforestation and increasing forest restoration and afforestation. Challenges to this approach include implementing deforestation reduction activities in developing countries that may lack the capacity to monitor and enforce measures, avoiding harm to indigenous communities who rely on forest resources, and matching policies with the various drivers of deforestation in different regions around the world. Legislative policies on deforestation and climate change are analyzed in this report, and challenges for restoring forests in the tropics are discussed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Gorte, Ross W.; Sidener, Jessica

  2008-08-22
• Global Climate Change [Updated December 14, 2001]

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

  "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 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 global warming would occur through intensification of Earth's natural heat-trapping 'greenhouse effect.' Possible impacts might be seen as both positive and negative. [...] The United States has indicated it would continue its cabinet-level review of climate change, and would seek new approaches based on voluntary measures and market mechanisms, but no timeframe for a new U.S. proposal has emerged. Other parties continue to express hope that the United States will rejoin international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Justus, John R.; Fletcher, Susan R.

  2001-12-14
• Climate Change: The Need to Act Now, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, Second Session, June 18, 2014

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

  This is the June 18, 2014 hearing on " Climate Change: The Need to Act Now," held before the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety of the Committee on Environment and Public Works. From the opening statement of Sheldon Whitehouse: "National defense leaders have sounded the alarm that climate change is a serious national security threat. There are also scientists, outdoorsmen, faith leaders, State and local officials and countless others demanding action. I understand that many of my colleagues are from States that depend on fossil fuels and have fossil fuel economies. They want to protect jobs in those industries. I get that and it is proper, but I also ask that they look at the other side of the ledger, the side of the ledger that affects States like Rhode Island. Our side of the ledger includes costs like damage to coastal homes, infrastructure and businesses from rising seas, erosion and storm surge, hospitalizations and missed school and work days for the families of kids suffering from asthma attacks triggered by smog, forests dying from beetle infestations and destroyed by unprecedented wildfire seasons, farms ravaged by worsened drought and flooding. Our side of the ledger counts too. Do not pretend we do not exist." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: William D. Ruckelshaus, Christine Todd, Whitman, William K. Reilly, Lee M. Thomas, Daniel Botkin, and Luther Strange.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2016
• Global Climate Change: Major Scientific and Policy Issues [August 11, 2006]

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

  From the Document: "There is growing evidence that human activities are affecting the heat/energy exchange balance between Earth, the atmosphere, and space through an increase in 'greenhouse gases.' If these gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere at current rates, most scientists believe significant global warming would continue to occur through intensification of Earth's natural heat-trapping 'greenhouse effect.' Over the past 100 years, particularly in recent decades, there have been measurable increases in global temperature and sea levels, decreases of sea ice in the Arctic, and melting among the world's continental ice sheets and mountain glaciers. Disagreements focus mainly on the magnitude and rate of change, the severity of estimated warming, and its projected impacts - both positive and negative. Moreover, wide variations of scientific opinion accompany model projections of a warmer world: if these increases in greenhouse gas emissions continue, global average temperature could rise anywhere from 2.7oF to 10.7oF over the next 100 years. Because the U.S. economy is so dependent upon energy, and so much of U.S. and worldwide energy is derived from fossil fuels, options for reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pose major challenges and controversy. 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.

  2006-08-11
• Restoration of the Transatlantic Dialogue: The Global Fight Against Climate Change, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment and Cyber of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, First Session, April 20, 2021

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

  This is the April 20, 2021 hearing on "Restoration of the Transatlantic Dialogue: The Global Fight Against Climate Change," held before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment and Cyber of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the Opening statement of William R. Keating: "Cooperation on climate change, particularly through the transatlantic partnership, is essential to achieving meaningful and long-lasting results. The Transatlantic Alliance is critical as a foundation on which our collective security and our shared prosperity must be built." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Patricia Espinosa, Frans Timmermans, Rachel Kyte, and Nicolas Loris.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2021
• Review of the General Accounting Office Report on FEMA's Activities After the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change, and Nuclear Safety and the Committee of Environment and Public Works, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, First Session, September 24, 2003

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

  Form the opening statement of George V. Voinovich, Chairman, Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change, and Nuclear Safety, Before the Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change, and Nuclear Safety and the Committee of Environment and Public Works, United States Senate, from the hearing entitled "Review of the General Accounting Office Report on FEMA's Activities After the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001" held on September 24, 2003: "Today's hearing is also the first FEMA oversight hearing we have held since the Agency was transferred into the Department of Homeland Security. The attacks of September 11 were unprecedented in scope and have served as a catalyst for major reform within the Federal Government in its ability to prevent and respond to such events in the future. Also unprecedented was our Nation's response to the attacks. Thousands of workers and volunteers from around the country responded to those in need at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, including 74 Ohioans who arrived in New York City within 24 hours of the attacks as part of Ohio Task Force One, one of FEMA's urban search and rescue teams. The attacks of September 11 were the most costly disaster in U.S. history. President Bush pledged $20 billion in aid, and approximately $7.4 billion of it is being distributed through FEMA's Public Assistance Program. The Public Assistance Program is used throughout the country to provide grants to State and local governments to respond and to recover from disasters." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Michael D. Brown, JayEtta Hecker, Bud Larson, Dale Shipley and Rick Skinner.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2003-09-24
• Climate Change and Social Responsibility: Helping Corporate Boards and Investors Make Decisions for a Sustainable World, Virtual Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets of the Committee on Financial Services, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, First Session, February 25, 2021

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

  This is the February 25, 2021 virtual hearing on "Climate Change and Social Responsibility: Helping Corporate Boards and Investors Make Decisions for a Sustainable World," held before the House Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets of the Committee on Financial Services. From the opening statement of Brad Sherman: "For hundreds of years, boards of directors and investors have focused pretty much on one thing: Can the corporation pay dividends?The chief measure of this was earnings per share. The accounting profession for centuries has developed a system to define, measure, tabulate, audit, and report earnings per share. Those who defined earnings per share controlled what a corporation would do, since its board would instruct its executives to do whatever was legal and ethical in order to achieve earnings per share. And this met societal expectations, since society simply wanted corporations to create and maintain profitable businesses. Today, we have different expectations. In addition to shareholders, we have stakeholders. All of us are stakeholders. Society at large protects the corporation and its property, educates its workforce and their children, and stakeholders also want to know what the corporation is doing. And the shareholders themselves want more information than earnings per share. They especially want information about the effect on climate change." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: James Andrus, Andy Green, Veena Ramani, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Heather McTeer Toney.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2021
• U.S. Climate Change Policy [October 28, 2021]

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

  From the Summary: "The greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere trap radiant energy, warming earth's surface and oceans. Scientific assessments conclude that GHGs very likely have been the main driver of warming of the earth's lower atmosphere since 1979. The most recent global assessment projected that surface temperature would continue to rise until at least mid-century even under the lowest GHG emission scenarios considered. A range of actions to mitigate GHG emissions and the risks of climate change (i.e., for adaptation or resilience) are under way or being developed on the international, national, and subnational levels. U.S. federal policymakers and stakeholders have different viewpoints regarding what, if anything, to do about future climate change and related impacts."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shouse, Kate C.

  2021-10-28
• Evaluating Urban Resilience to Climate Change: A Multi-Sector Approach

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

  "Global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and have been shown to lead to a range of major and potentially adverse effects on the environment and public welfare. One of the objectives of the Office of Research and Development (ORD) within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to provide the scientific basis for climate adaptation choices that support sustainable, resilient solutions at individual, community, regional, and national scales. To support this objective, ORD developed a tool that measures urban communities' resilience to climate change. The tool incorporates both indicator data and input from local sector managers to assess urban resilience for eight municipal management sectors: (1) water, (2) energy, (3) transportation, (4) people (public health and emergency response), (5) economy, (6) land use/land cover, (7) the natural environment, and (8) telecommunications. The tool is intended to provide local-level managers with a way to prioritize threats to resilience using locally available data across multiple sectors to inform adaptation planning. This report describes the tool in detail and discusses the results of applying it in two communities as case study examples: Washington, DC and Worcester, MA. The applications are intended to help individual communities as well as to identify important characteristics and activities that can be transferred across communities to strengthen adaptive capacity at the national scale."

  United States. Environmental Protection Agency

  2017-01
• American Jobs Plan: Infrastructure, Climate Change, and Investing in Our Nation's Future, Hearing Before the Committee on Senate Appropriations, United States Senate, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, First Session, April 20, 2021

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

  This is the April 20, 2021 hearing on "American Jobs Plan: Infrastructure, Climate Change, and Investing in Our Nation's Future," held before the U.S. Senate Committee on Senate Appropriations. From the Testimony of Pete Buttigieg: "We are gathering at a moment in which our infrastructure situation calls both for urgent action and a long-term, strategic vision. As we speak, a climate crisis is already hurting Americans, and it will continue to get far worse if we don't act. And in this moment, we need to add back millions of jobs to fully recover from the pandemic, even as we build a stronger foundation for the economic future." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Pete Buttigieg, Michael Regan, Gina Raimondo, and Marcia Fudge. The duration of the video is 3 hours, 10 minutes, and 45 seconds.

  United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Appropriations

  2021-04-20