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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
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
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Serial No. 115-163: Budget Priorities for South Asia, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, Second Session, July 25, 2018
This is the July 25, 2018 hearing on "Climate Change and National Security," held before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of Ted Yoho: "I am excited to be here today to discuss South Asia nations in the Indian Ocean region, a group of states that are small in number but growing more and more consequential on the world stage. Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka are also becoming more central to U.S. foreign policy and national security. These nations, collectively, include over 1.5 billion residents, about a fifth of the world population. They are located along vital global sea lanes through the Indian Ocean which grow more strategically important by the day, connecting vital straits and rising Asian economies in the East with the rest of the world in its energy to the West. [...] The South Asian region has the demographic potential to transform the world but presents equally intractable problems. The administration should be commended for recognizing the region's importance, but we must follow through. So it is essential that the U.S. engagement is properly targeted and resourced." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Ted S. Yoho, Alice G. Wells, and Gloria Steele.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018
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Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II: Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States, Report-in-Brief
"The Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4) fulfills that mandate in two volumes. This report, Volume II, draws on the foundational science described in Volume I, the 'Climate Science Special Report' (CSSR). Volume II focuses on the human welfare, societal, and environmental elements of climate change and variability for 10 regions and 18 national topics, with particular attention paid to observed and projected risks, impacts, consideration of risk reduction, and implications under different mitigation pathways. Where possible, NCA4 Volume II provides examples of actions underway in communities across the United States to reduce the risks associated with climate change, increase resilience, and improve livelihoods. This assessment was written to help inform decision-makers, utility and natural resource managers, public health officials, emergency planners, and other stakeholders by providing a thorough examination of the effects of climate change on the United States."
U.S. Global Change Research Program
2018
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Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II: Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States
"The Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4) fulfills that mandate in two volumes. This report, Volume II, draws on the foundational science described in Volume I, the 'Climate Science Special Report' (CSSR). Volume II focuses on the human welfare, societal, and environmental elements of climate change and variability for 10 regions and 18 national topics, with particular attention paid to observed and projected risks, impacts, consideration of risk reduction, and implications under different mitigation pathways. Where possible, NCA4 Volume II provides examples of actions underway in communities across the United States to reduce the risks associated with climate change, increase resilience, and improve livelihoods. This assessment was written to help inform decision-makers, utility and natural resource managers, public health officials, emergency planners, and other stakeholders by providing a thorough examination of the effects of climate change on the United States."
U.S. Global Change Research Program
2018
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Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [December 11, 2017]
"The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. The United States held the two-year, rotating chairmanship of the Arctic Council from April 24, 2015, to May 11, 2017. Record low extents of Arctic sea ice over the past decade have focused scientific and policy attention on links to global climate change and projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. These changes have potential consequences for weather in the United States, access to mineral and biological resources in the Arctic, the economies and cultures of peoples in the region, and national security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2017-12-11
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Drought in the United States: Causes and Current Understanding [November 9, 2017]
"Drought is a natural hazard with potentially significant economic, social, and ecological consequences. History suggests that severe and extended droughts are inevitable and part of natural climate cycles. Drought has for centuries shaped the societies of North America and will continue to do so into the future. The likelihood of extended periods of severe drought and its effects on 21st-century society in the United States raise several issues for Congress. These issues include how to respond to recurrent drought incidents, how to prepare for future drought, and how to coordinate federal agency actions, among other policy choices. [...] This report discusses why drought occurs in the United States; how drought is defined (e.g., why drought in one region of the country is different from drought in another region); and how droughts are classified and reported (e.g., what is meant by moderate, severe, extreme, and exceptional drought). The report briefly describes periods of drought in the country's past that equaled or exceeded drought conditions experienced during the 20th century, and the effects of those droughts on major western rivers such as the Colorado. Lastly, the report discusses the possible influence of human-induced climate change on drought, and current limits on our understanding for forecasting droughts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin)
2017-11-09
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Effects of Climate Change and Coastal Development on U.S. Hurricane Damage: Implications for the Federal Budget
"CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that: - Expected damage from hurricanes will grow more quickly than GDP [Gross Domestic Product]. - The share of the population facing substantial damage will grow fivefold by 2075. - On the basis of past patterns, federal spending on hurricanes will also grow more quickly than GDP. Limiting greenhouse gas emissions may have little effect on damage in the next few decades. Pressure for federal spending might be reduced by: - Shifting costs to states, localities, and private entities - Investing in infrastructure to reduce vulnerability"
United States. Congressional Budget Office
Dinan, Terry
2017-11-02
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Climate Change Adaptation: DOD Needs to Better Incorporate Adaptation into Planning and Collaboration at Overseas Installations, Report to Congressional Requesters
"According to DOD, climate change will have serious implications on the ability to maintain infrastructure and ensure military readiness. DOD has identified risks posed by climate change and begun to integrate adaptation in guidance. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to assess DOD's actions to adapt overseas infrastructure to the expected challenges of climate change. GAO examined the extent to which DOD (1) identified operational and budgetary risks posed by weather effects associated with climate change on overseas infrastructure; (2) collected data to effectively manage risks to infrastructure; (3) integrated climate change adaptation into planning and design efforts; and (4) collaborated with host nations on adapting infrastructure and sharing costs. GAO reviewed DOD data and documents on climate change, planning, and cost-sharing and visited or contacted a nongeneralizable sample of 45 overseas installations reporting climate change impacts. GAO is making six recommendations, including that DOD require overseas installations to systematically track costs associated with climate impacts; re-administer its vulnerability assessment survey to include all relevant sites; integrate climate change adaptation into relevant standards; and include climate change adaptation in host-nation agreements. DOD nonconcurred with two recommendations and partially concurred with four. GAO recognizes DOD's efforts to review its climate-related policies, but continues to believe its recommendations are valid, as discussed in this report."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-11
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Bridging Climate Change Resilience and Mitigation in the Electricity Sector Through Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Emerging Climate Change and Development Topics for Energy Sector Transformation
From the Introduction: "Reliable, safe, and secure electricity is essential for economic and social development and a necessary input for many sectors of the economy. However, electricity generation and associated processes make up a significant portion of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contributing to climate change (IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] 2014). Furthermore, electricity systems are vulnerable to climate change impacts--both short-term events and changes over the longer term. This vulnerability presents both near-term and chronic challenges in providing reliable, affordable, equitable, and sustainable energy services. Within this context, developing countries face a number of challenges in the energy sector, including the need to reliably meet growing electricity demand, lessen dependence on imported fuels, expand energy access, and improve stressed infrastructure for fuel supply and electricity transmission."
United States. Agency for International Development; National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)
Cox, Sadie; Hotchkiss, Eliza; Bilello, Dan . . .
2017-11
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Coastal Flooding, Climate Change, and Your Health: What You Can Do to Prepare
From the Document: "Coastal flooding in the United States is already occurring and the risk of flooding is expected to grow in most coastal regions, in part due to climate change. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed this booklet to identify steps that you can take now to prepare for the health risks associated with coastal flooding--and to help your families, friends, and neighbors, too. This booklet answers some of the key questions about coastal flooding in a changing climate: why these events are on the rise; how it might affect your health; and what you can do before, during, and after a coastal flooding event to stay safe. Scientific information used in this document is derived from peer-reviewed synthesis and assessment products, including those published by the United States Global Change Research Program and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, as well as other peer-reviewed sources and federal agency resources."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2017-11
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Reconsidering the Clean Power Plan [October 25, 2017]
"On October 10, 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to repeal the Clean Power Plan (CPP), an Obama Administration rule that would limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from existing fossil-fuel-fired power plants. Because power plant CO2 emissions account for about 30% of total U.S. anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), the CPP has been seen as the most important U.S. regulation addressing climate change. [...] Members of Congress may have an interest--for legislative and oversight purposes, as potential commenters, and in responding to constituents--in understanding what it is that EPA has proposed to do with regard to the CPP. This report provides background on the CPP and its proposed repeal, describes the administrative steps that are required to repeal or amend a rule, and discusses how the CPP and its proposed repeal fit into the context of recent and projected power sector evolution."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCarthy, James E.
2017-10-25
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Where's the Beef? Predicting the Effects of Climate Change on Cattle Production in Western U.S. Rangelands
"Cattle production capacity on western rangelands is potentially vulnerable to climate change through impacts on the amount of forage, changes in vegetation type, heat stress, and year-to-year forage variability. The researchers in this study projected climate change effects to rangelands through 2100 and compared them to a present-day baseline to estimate vulnerability of cattle operations. The analysis predicted: 1. an increase in forage quantity in northern regions; 2. a move from woody dominance toward grassier vegetation types overall but with considerable variability between areas; 3. a substantial increase in the number of heat-stress days across all regions beginning as early as 2020-2030; and 4. higher year-to-year variability of forage quantity for most regions. All four factors combined to predict declining grazing capacity in southwestern regions. In northern and interior regions of the West, the benefits of increased forage are mostly offset by increases in heat stress and forage variability. The predicted increased vulnerability of cattle production in the Southwest provides strong impetus for adaptation by livestock producers and public land managers in anticipation of these changes. This study can be used by range managers to begin to think about long-term planning and communication with stakeholders (such as grazing permit holders) about what kinds of conditions to expect in the future."
United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)
2017-09
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Climate Change: Information on Potential Economic Effects Could Help Guide Federal Efforts to Reduce Fiscal Exposure, Climate Change Information on Potential Economic Effects Could Help Guide Federal Efforts to Reduce Fiscal Exposure, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Highlights: "Over the last decade, extreme weather and fire events have cost the federal government over $350 billion, according to the Office of Management and Budget. These costs will likely rise as the climate changes, according to the U.S. Global Change Research Program. In February 2013, GAO included 'Limiting the Federal Government's Fiscal Exposure by Better Managing Climate Change Risks' on its High-Risk List. GAO was asked to review the potential economic effects of climate change and risks to the federal government. This report examines (1) methods used to estimate the potential economic effects of climate change in the United States, (2) what is known about these effects, and (3) the extent to which information about these effects could inform efforts to manage climate risks across the federal government. GAO reviewed 2 national-scale studies available and 28 other studies; interviewed 26 experts knowledgeable about the strengths and limitations of the studies; compared federal efforts to manage climate risks with leading practices for risk management and economic analysis; and obtained expert views."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-09
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Paris Agreement on Climate Change: U.S. Letter to United Nations [August 08, 2017]
"The Department of State communicated to the United Nations on August 4, 2017, a U.S. intention to withdraw from the 2016 Paris Agreement (PA). The PA is an international agreement to address climate change over the coming century existing under the 1992 U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). On June 1, 2017, President Donald Trump publicly announced this intent. The letter to the U.N. stated that 'unless the United States finds suitable terms for reengagement,' it would provide formal written notification of the U.S. intent to withdraw 'as soon as it is eligible to do so.' Under the terms of the PA, first eligibility would be November 4, 2019--three years after the PA entered into force for the United States. The letter also requested that the Secretary-General communicate this information to other Parties and to other countries that are entitled to become Parties to the agreement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Leggett, Jane A.
2017-08-08
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Resilient and Sustainable Transport - Dutch Style: An Interim Report on Bilateral Cooperation Between FHWA and Rijkwaterstaat
"Since 2014, US and Dutch counterparts have been collaborating on the topic of infrastructure resilience under a bilateral agreement between the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Rijkwaterstaat (RWS), the Netherlands' Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment. During the first two years, each side learned about each other's tools and approaches. During the second two years of collaboration, FHWA and RWS are testing climate change resilience tools developed in both countries on two infrastructure projects. The Netherlands project is the InnovA58 project, which expands a roadway in southern Holland from two lanes in each direction to three lanes in each direction. The US project is the SR167 completion project, which completes a critical missing link to Interstate 5 near Tacoma, Washington, including approximately 6 miles of new construction and 5 new interchanges. The analysis frameworks and accompanying tools that FHWA and RWS are testing are the European ROADAPT methodology and the US FHWA Climate Adaptation Framework."
United States. Department of Transportation; United States. Federal Highway Administration
2017-08
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Assessment of Aspen Ecosystem Vulnerability to Climate Change for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forests, Utah
"Aspen ecosystems are valued because they add biodiversity and ecological value to the landscape. They provide rich and productive habitats and increase aesthetic value. Climate change poses the risk of altering and disrupting these ecosystems, and it may worsen the effects of non-climate stressors. To provide scientific information for land managers facing the challenge of helping aspen ecosystems adapt to climate change, we developed an aspen vulnerability assessment on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forests. Literature-based information and expert elicitation are used to define (a) components of sensitivity and exposure to climate change and (b) the capacity of these ecosystems to adapt to expected changes. Aspen ecosystems benefit from fire and quickly reproduce. Yet, aspen trees are susceptible to drought and heat that is projected to become more frequent and intense in the future. Some aspen-associated plant and animal species may benefit from the expected changes in disturbance regimes and stand structure, while others may experience population reductions or stress as a result of drought and heat. Overall, vulnerability is defined as moderate because although persistence of aspen ecosystems is likely, a dynamic spatial and temporal response to climate change is expected."
United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)
Rice, Janine R.; Bardsley, Tim; Gomben, Pete . . .
2017-08
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Effects of Climate Change on Volcanic Emissions and Health Security in Hawaii by 2050
"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?
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Technical Documentation on Exposure-Response Functions for Climate-Sensitive Health Outcomes
From the Introduction: "Climate change and climate variability influence human health in a variety of ways, and it may be important for the public health sector to consider these threats. Understanding the current and future burden of climate-sensitive diseases may benefit planning and response activities. As part of the Climate-Ready States and Cities Initiative (CRSCI), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced the five-step iterative Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) Framework designed to help the public health sector plan for and adapt to climate-related hazards."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.). Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects
Kintziger, Kristina W.; Jagger, Meredith; Conlon, Kathryn C. . . .
2017-07-28?
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Climate Change: Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Paris Agreement [June 28, 2017]
"Debate continues in the United States over whether and how the federal government should address human-related climate change. A large majority of scientists and governments accept that stabilizing the concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere and avoiding further GHG-induced climate change would require concerted effort by all major emitting countries. Toward this end, 195 governments attending the 21st Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris, France, adopted an agreement in 2015 outlining goals and a structure for international cooperation to address climate change and its impacts over decades to come. The 'Paris Agreement' (PA) is subsidiary to the UNFCCC, a treaty that the United States ratified with the advice and consent of the Senate and that entered into force in 1994."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Leggett, Jane A.; Lattanzio, Richard K.
2017-06-28
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Constitutional Limits on States' Efforts to "Uphold" the Paris Agreement [June 27, 2017]
"Following President Trump's June 1 announcement that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement-an international pact intended to address climate change over the coming century-some American cities and states have promised to pursue the Agreement's goals even after U.S. withdrawal. But with constitutional limits on the power of states to make legally binding treaties and compacts with foreign nations (discussed below), and numerous Supreme Court opinions stating that the federal government has superior power over the states in the field of foreign affairs, some commentators have raised the question: does the Constitution allow state and local governments to 'uphold' the Paris Agreement? This Sidebar addresses two potential limits on state and local action on this matter: Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution and foreign affairs preemption."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2017-06-27
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Paris Agreement: U.S. Climate Finance Commitments [June 19, 2017]
"The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC, 1992, U.S. Treaty Number: 102-38) was the first international treaty to acknowledge and address human-driven climate change. […] In 2015, Parties to the UNFCCC in Paris, France, adopted the Paris Agreement (PA). The PA builds upon the Convention and-for the first time-brings all nations into a common framework to undertake efforts to combat climate change, adapt to its effects, and support developing countries in their efforts. The PA also reiterates the obligation in the Convention for developed country Parties, including the United States, to seek to mobilize financial support to assist developing country Parties with climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. On June 1, 2017, President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw from the PA. Further, the Administration's FY2018 budget request, released on May 23, 2017, proposes to 'eliminate U.S. funding for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in FY2018, in alignment with the President's promise to cease payments to the United Nations' climate change programs.' These actions may have several implications for the United States. Withdrawal may aid the domestic budget process and may assist certain U.S. industries in the global marketplace, specifically GHG [Greenhouse Gas]-intensive fuels and technologies. However, withdrawal may also restrict the global marketplace for U.S. exporters of low-emission technologies and may impede U.S. efforts in natural disaster preparedness, national security, and international leadership."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lattanzio, Richard K.
2017-06-19
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India-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [June 19, 2017]
"In recognition of India's increasingly central role and ability to influence world affairs-and with a widely-held assumption that a stronger and more prosperous democratic India is good for the United States in and of itself-the U.S. Congress and two successive U.S. Administrations have acted both to broaden and deepen America's engagement with New Delhi. […] Yet more engagement has meant more areas of friction in the partnership, many of which attract congressional attention. […] Despite these many areas of sometimes serious discord, the U.S. Congress has remained broadly positive in its posture toward the U.S.-India strategic and commercial partnership. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration has thus far issued amicable rhetoric overall (with some lapses) that suggests an intention to maintain the general outlines of recent U.S.-India ties. This report reviews the major facets of current U.S.-India relations, particularly in the context of congressional interest. It discusses areas in which perceived U.S. and Indian national interests converge and areas in which they diverge; other leading Indian foreign relations that relate to U.S. interests; the outlines of bilateral engagement in defense, trade, and investment relations, as well as important issues involving energy, climate change; and human rights concerns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2017-06-19
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President Trump's Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement Raises Legal Questions: Part 1 and 2
"On June 1, President Trump announced his long-anticipated decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement--an international agreement intended to reduce the effects of climate change by maintaining global temperatures 'well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels[.]' As analyzed in this earlier report and live CRS seminar, historical practice suggests it is within the President's constitutional authority to withdraw from the Paris Agreement without first receiving congressional or senatorial approval. However, legal questions remain as to how the Trump Administration will implement the withdrawal and what role the United States will play in future international climate meetings. This two-part Sidebar series analyzes legal questions arising from the President's announcement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2017-06-09
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Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [June 6, 2017]
"The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. The United States held the two-year, rotating chairmanship of the Arctic Council from April 24, 2015, to May 11, 2017. Record low extents of Arctic sea ice over the past decade have focused scientific and policy attention on links to global climate change and projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. These changes have potential consequences for weather in the United States, access to mineral and biological resources in the Arctic, the economies and cultures of peoples in the region, and national security. [...] The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. Issues such as Arctic territorial disputes; commercial shipping through the Arctic; Arctic oil, gas, and mineral exploration; endangered Arctic species; and increased military operations in the Arctic could cause the region in coming years to become an arena of international cooperation or competition. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial political, economic, energy, environmental, and other interests in the region. Decisions that Congress makes on Arctic-related issues could significantly affect these interests"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2017-06-06
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Assessment of Watershed Vulnerability to Climate Change for the Uinta-Wasatch-cache and Ashley National Forests, Utah
"Watersheds on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forests provide many ecosystem services, and climate change poses a risk to these services. We developed a watershed vulnerability assessment to provide scientific information for land managers facing the challenge of managing these watersheds. Literature-based information and expert elicitation is used to define components of watershed sensitivity and exposure to climate change. We also define the capacity of watershed function, habitats, and biota to adapt to the expected changes. Watershed vulnerability is scored high for the Wasatch Mountain Range and moderate to high for the Uinta Mountains. These watersheds are driven by a snow-dominated hydrologic regime, and they have a high sensitivity to the projected increases in drought, heat, and flooding. More evaporation, snowpack loss, and earlier snowmelt are expected to shift the timing of runoff earlier and lower streamflow. The loss of snowpack is projected to be especially pronounced in the Wasatch Range. The effects from climate change can be compounded by the non-climate stressors of fire and land uses. Adaptation to these changes is enhanced when watersheds are in good functioning condition. Management actions can serve as an iterative process that builds resilience and can assist transitions to new states under a changing climate."
United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)
Rice, Janine R.; Bardsley, Tim; Gomben, Pete . . .
2017-06
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U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions Trends and Projections: Role of the Clean Power Plan and Other Factors [May 31, 2017]
"In December 2015, delegations from 195 nations, including the United States, adopted an agreement in Paris that creates an international structure for nations to pledge to abate their GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions, adapt to climate change, and cooperate to achieve these ends, including financial and other support. Pursuant to that agreement, the United States pledged (in 2015) to reduce GHG emissions by 26-28% by 2025 compared to 2005 levels. At the date of this report, U.S. involvement in the Paris Agreement remains uncertain. However, some recent reports indicate that President Trump is expected to withdraw from the agreement [...] Multiple factors generally impact CO2 emission levels from the electric power sector. Some factors are listed below in no particular order: [1] Economic growth/recession, [2] Relative prices of energy sources for electricity--particularly natural gas and renewable energy sources, [3] Electricity generation portfolio (i.e., the ratio of electricity generation from coal, natural gas, and renewable energy sources), [4] National and/or state policy developments (e.g., CPP [Clean Power Plan] implementation), and [5] Demand-side efficiency improvements (e.g., commercial and residential electricity use) [...] Accurately forecasting future CO2 emission levels is a complex and challenging endeavor. A comparison of actual CO2 emissions (from energy use) between 1990 and 2017 with selected emission projections illustrates this difficulty. In general, actual emissions have remained well below projections. As the future of the CPP is uncertain, some have questioned whether existing policies and trends in electricity generation would continue to lower CO2 emissions. Modeling results indicate that CO2 emissions in the electricity sector are expected to continue declining. However, modeling results indicate that the declines would be substantially greater if the CPP were implemented."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ramseur, Jonathan L.
2017-05-31
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Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [May 16, 2017]
"The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. The United States held the two-year, rotating chairmanship of the Arctic Council from April 24, 2015, to May 11, 2017. Record low extents of Arctic sea ice over the past decade have focused scientific and policy attention on links to global climate change and projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. These changes have potential consequences for weather in the United States, access to mineral and biological resources in the Arctic, the economies and cultures of peoples in the region, and national security. The five Arctic coastal states--the United States, Canada, Russia, Norway, and Denmark (of which Greenland is a territory)--have made or are in the process of preparing submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf regarding the outer limits of their extended continental shelves. The Russian submission includes the underwater Lomonosov Ridge, a feature that spans a considerable distance across the center of Arctic Ocean. The diminishment of Arctic ice could lead in coming years to increased commercial shipping on two trans-Arctic sea routes--the Northern Sea Route close to Russia, and the Northwest Passage--though the rate of increase in the use of these routes might not be as great as sometimes anticipated in press accounts. International guidelines for ships operating in Arctic waters have been recently updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2017-05-16
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New Executive Order Directs Agencies to Revise or Rescind Climate Change Rules and Policies [April 20, 2017]
"On March 28, 2017, President Trump issued Executive Order 13783, entitled 'Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth.' The order generally aims to establish a policy to promote domestic energy development and use, and ensure affordable and reliable electricity. To accomplish these broad goals, the order directs executive agencies to review their existing regulations and 'appropriately suspend, revise, or rescind those that unduly burden' domestic energy production or use, 'with particular attention to oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy resources.' Agency actions resulting from compliance with the order could directly affect climate change policy, guidance, regulations, and on-going litigation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2017-04-20
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U.S. Climate Change Regulation and Litigation: Selected Legal Issues [April 3, 2017]
From the Summary: "On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order to encourage and promote energy development by modifying climate change policies. As the Trump Administration implements its environmental policies, various legal challenges to Obama Administration climate change regulations remain pending before courts. During the last term of the Obama Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration finalized a series of regulations to address emissions from cars, trucks, and their engines that may contribute to climate change. In addition, EPA finalized regulations pursuant to its authority under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to reduce GHG [Green House Gas] emissions from stationary sources such as power plants, GHG-emitting oil and gas sources, and landfills. Various stakeholders have challenged a majority of these rules generally contesting the scope of EPA's authority and its methods for regulating GHG emissions." […] "This report will cover a brief history of U.S. climate change regulation; review the different types of regulation and legal actions that have been pursued in the national debate over GHGs; examine selected legal issues and next steps in related litigation; and address what these legal and regulatory developments mean for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tsang, Linda
2017-04-03
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Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [March 20, 2017]
"The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. On January 21, 2015, President Obama issued an executive order for enhancing coordination of national efforts in the Arctic. The United States assumed the chairmanship of the Arctic Council on April 24, 2015, and will serve in that capacity for two years. Record low extents of Arctic sea ice over the past decade have focused scientific and policy attention on links to global climate change and projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. These changes have potential consequences for weather in the United States, access to mineral and biological resources in the Arctic, the economies and cultures of peoples in the region, and national security. The five Arctic coastal states--the United States, Canada, Russia, Norway, and Denmark (of which Greenland is a territory)--have made or are in the process of preparing submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf regarding the outer limits of their extended continental shelves."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2017-03-20
