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Global Climate Change [Updated October 29, 2004]
"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, depending on regional or national variations. A warmer climate would probably have far-reaching effects on agriculture and forestry, managed and unmanaged ecosystems, including natural habitats, human health, water resources, and sea level, depending on climate responses. Although causal relationships between projected long-range global climate trends and record-setting warmth and severe weather events of the past two decades have not been firmly established, attention has been focused on possible extremes of climate change and the need for better understanding of climate processes to improve climate model forecasts. The basic policy question remains: Given scientific uncertainties about the magnitude, timing, rate, and regional consequences of potential climatic change, what are the appropriate responses for U.S. and world decision makers? Fossil-fuel combustion is the primary source of CO2 emissions, and also emits other 'greenhouse' gases. Because the U.S. economy is so dependent upon energy, and so much of U.S. energy is derived from fossil fuels, reducing these emissions poses major challenges and controversy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fletcher, Susan R.; Justus, John R.
2004-10-29
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Global Climate Change [Updated March 27, 2002]
"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. A warmer climate would probably have far reaching effects on agriculture and forestry, managed and un-managed ecosystems, including natural habitats, human health, water resources, and sea level depending on climate responses. Although causal relationships between projected long-range global climate trends and record-setting warmth and severe weather events of the past two decades have not been firmly established, attention has been focused on possible extremes of climate change and the need for better understanding of climate processes to improve climate model forecasts. The basic policy question remains: Given scientific uncertainties about the magnitude, timing, rate, and regional consequences of potential climatic change, what are the appropriate responses for U.S. and world decisionmakers? Fossil-fuel combustion is the primary source of CO2 emissions, and also emits other 'greenhouse' gases. Because the U.S. economy is so dependent upon energy, and so much of U.S. energy is derived from fossil fuels, reducing these emissions poses major challenges and controversy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Justus, John R.; Fletcher, Susan R.
2002-03-27
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Global Climate Change [Updated September 26, 2001]
"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. A warmer climate would probably have far reaching effects on agriculture and forestry, managed and un-managed ecosystems, including natural habitats, human health, water resources, and sea level depending on climate responses. Although causal relationships between projected long-range global climate trends and record-setting warmth and severe weather events of the past two decades have not been firmly established, attention has been focused on possible extremes of climate change and the need for better understanding of climate processes to improve climate model forecasts. The basic policy question is: Given scientific uncertainties about the magnitude, timing, rate, and regional consequences of potential climatic change, what are the appropriate responses for U.S. and world decisionmakers?"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Justus, John R.; Fletcher, Susan R.
2001-09-26
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Joint Statement by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands on Climate Change and Financing the Transition to Low-Carbon Investments Abroad, March 24, 2014
"The Netherlands and the United States share a common interest in urgent action to address global climate change. We affirm the importance of reaching a global climate change agreement in 2015 that can attract broad and ambitious participation. The agreement should reflect the continuous evolution of capabilities of countries in tackling this global challenge. It should also take account of the important role played by the private sector, sub-national actors, and civil society in finding solutions to addressing carbon pollution while improving the resilience of nations to the impacts of climate change. Our two countries pledge to continue our cooperation towards adopting such an agreement at the United Nations climate conference in Paris in 2015. We reaffirm our support of internationally agreed commitments to scale up the mobilization of climate finance and recognize that different forms of financing are needed to support countries making the transition to a low-emission, climate resilient economy. We strive to deploy public resources to catalyze private climate finance in and to developing countries. We emphasize that our work to scale up climate friendly investments in developing countries is most effective when combined with reducing public incentives for high-carbon infrastructure. To this end, the Netherlands is joining the United States, the United Kingdom, and others in agreeing to end support for public financing of new coal-fired power plants abroad except in rare circumstances."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Obama, Barack
2014-03-24
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Climate Change: State Should Further Improve Its Reporting on Financial Support to Developing Countries to Meet Future Requirements and Guidelines, Report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate
"In 2009, the United States and other developed nations pledged to contribute funding approaching $30 billion in new and additional assistance between 2010 and 2012 for developing countries to address climate change. This type of assistance is called 'climate finance' and funding for this period is known as 'fast-start finance.' The pledge was made under the Framework Convention, a treaty that seeks to address climate change. State is the lead agency responsible for reporting the United States' FSF [Fast-Start Finance] contributions between 2010 and 2012 and plans to continue reporting on U.S. climate finance in the future. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review climate finance. This report examines (1) the extent to which the United States contributed to FSF, (2) how State collected and reported U.S. FSF data, and (3) what is known about the effectiveness of U.S. FSF activities. To address these objectives, GAO reviewed FSF data, interviewed agency officials, and visited three countries receiving significant FSF assistance in three regions. […] To ensure the United States meets future climate finance reporting requirements and guidelines under the Framework Convention, GAO recommends that State determine how it will collect and report climate finance information and review current capabilities for meeting the requirements and guidelines. GAO also recommends that State, in consultation with USAID [United States Agency for International Development], consider providing a budget code to improve tracking of climate change assistance. State agreed with GAO's recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2013-09
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Examining the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Process, Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, Second Session, May 29, 2014
This testimony compilation is from the May 29, 2014 hearing on "Examining the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Process" held before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. From the opening statement of Lamar Smith: "The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently released three working group reports on climate science -- focused on physical sciences, impacts and adaptation, and mitigation. These documents make up the Fifth Assessment Report. Similarly, the White House recently rolled out its National Climate Assessment, which takes a closer look at climate change and policy in the U.S. Both the IPCC and the White House's documents appear to be designed to spread fear and alarm and provide cover for previously determined government policies. The reports give the Obama Administration an excuse to control more of the lives of the American people. The IPCC's goal is an international climate treaty that redistributes wealth among nations. The Administration's goal is to impose greenhouse gas regulations, which will stifle economic growth and lead to hundreds of thousands of fewer jobs each year. On the heels of these catastrophic predictions, the President plans to announce next Monday his most costly climate regulations -- new climate standards for power plants." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Richard S.J. Tol, Michael Oppenheimer, Daniel Botkin, and Roger Pielke, Sr.
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (2011-)
2014-05-29
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Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment: Highlights
"This book presents the major findings and selected highlights from 'Climate Change Impacts in the United States,' the third National Climate Assessment. This 'Highlights' report is organized around the National Climate Assessment's 12 Report Findings, which take an overarching view of the entire report and its 30 chapters. All material in the 'Highlights' report is drawn from the full report. The Key Messages from each of the 30 report chapters appear in boxes throughout this document. In the lower left corner of each section, icons identify which chapters of the full report were drawn upon for that section. A key to these icons appears on page 1."
U.S. Global Change Research Program; United States. Government Printing Office
Melillo, Jerry M.; Richmond, Terese (T.C.); Yohe, Gary Wynn, 1948-
2014
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Climate and Health Intervention Assessment: Evidence on Public Health Interventions to Prevent the Negative Health Effects of Climate Change
"This guide outlines the findings of the Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) Midwest/Southeast Collaborative on the evidence of effectiveness of various interventions for reducing the negative health impacts of climate change. This is not intended to be a comprehensive guide of all potential interventions; rather it outlines the evidence found for certain interventions as part of the Midwest/Southeast Collaborative's review of the literature. The findings in this document highlight a subset of potential interventions for select potential climate-related health impacts. It is intended as a general guide, and health departments are encouraged to seek out additional literature and consult with subject matter experts before implementing interventions."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.); National Center for Environmental Health (U.S.)
Anderson, Henry; Brown, Claudia; Cameron, Lorraine L. . . .
2017
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Climate Change and Water Resources Management: A Federal Perspective
"Many challenges, including climate change, face the Nation's water managers. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has provided estimates of how climate may change, but more understanding of the processes driving the changes, the sequences of the changes, and the manifestation of these global changes at different scales could be beneficial. Since the changes will likely affect fundamental drivers of the hydrological cycle, climate change may have a large impact on water resources and water resources managers. The purpose of this interagency report prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is to explore strategies to improve water management by tracking, anticipating, and responding to climate change."
United States. Bureau of Reclamation; Geological Survey (U.S.); United States. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . . .
Olsen, J. Rolf; Kiang, Julie E.; Brekke, Levi D.
2009
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Climate Change: Improvements Needed to Clarify National Priorities and Better Align Them with Federal Funding Decisions, Report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives
"Climate change poses risks to many environmental and economic systems, including agriculture, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Federal law has periodically required the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to report on federal climate change funding. Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to examine (1) federal funding for climate change activities and how these activities are organized; (2) the extent to which methods for defining and reporting climate change funding are interpreted consistently across the federal government; (3) federal climate change strategic priorities, and the extent to which funding is aligned with these priorities; and (4) what options, if any, are available to better align federal climate change funding with strategic priorities. GAO analyzed OMB funding reports and responses to a Web-based questionnaire sent to federal officials, reviewed available literature, and interviewed stakeholders."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2011-05
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Hearing on the Costs of Climate Change: from Coasts to Heartland, Health to Security, Hearing Before the Committee on the Budget, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, First Session, Hearing Held in Washington, D.C., July 24, 2019
This is the July 24, 2019 hearing on "Costs of Climate Change: from Coasts to Heartland, Health to Security" held before the U.S. House Committee on the Budget. From the opening statement of John A. Yarmuth: "Today we will hear from experts on the looming threat of climate change to our coastal communities, agricultural economies, public health, and national security, and the implications for the federal budget. The devastating effects of climate change are already upon us. Families have lost their homes to record storms and raging wildfires, and lost loved ones to sicknesses stemming from heat waves and degraded air quality. Our farmers are grappling with changing growing seasons and declining crop yields, while approximately half of all U.S. military sites and two-thirds of the most critical installations are threatened by climate change. Without serious action, climate-related federal spending will continue to rise, and American families will not only have to grapple with the effects of climate change, they will have to foot the bill for the spiraling costs." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Ann Phillips, Stefani Grant, Georges Benjamin, David Titley, and Rich Powell.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2019
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Climate Change and Poor Water Resource Management Will Have Serious Security Implications in the Balkan Peninsula
From the thesis abstract: "Climate Change is not a new or surprising event, but it has a significant impact human civilization. Our future depends on our ability to predict and mitigate the impact and threats created by climate change. The effects will influence all of us. Climate change is a threat multiplier and puts every nation at risk. The aim of this paper is to define the security threats for the Balkan Peninsula caused by climate change and poor water resource management. This research focuses on surface rather than groundwater and specifically explores the Maritza and Tundja Rivers which form the border area between Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey. The paper details how poor water management in these rivers will create security threats. Using the mixed methodology to analyze the collected data, the results of the research show that climate change and population growth will strain the environment of the Balkan Peninsula, and it will be followed by resource crises. The biggest threat is water scarcity. Reduced water resources will create a tremendous impact on the three countries, their economies and societies will react to the stress. It is government's responsibility to avoid the conflict. The only peaceful solution is to establish a combined center for climate change and to work together for the good of the three nations."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Delev, Kosta
2015-06
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Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [October 25, 2012]
"This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions under other CAA authorities. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meltz, Robert
2012-10-25
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Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [November 15, 2012]
"This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions under other CAA authorities. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meltz, Robert
2012-11-15
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Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [July 27, 2012]
"This report surveys existing law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. […] Other adaptation responses to climate change raising legal issues, often property rights related, are beach armoring (seawalls, bulkheads, etc.), beach re-nourishment, and 'retreat' measures. Retreat measures seek to move existing development away from areas likely to be affected by floods and sea level rise, and to discourage new development there. Natural disasters to which climate change contributes may prompt questions as to whether response actions taken in an emergency are subject to relaxed requirements and, similarly, as to the rebuilding of structures destroyed by such disasters just as they were before. Finally, immigration and refugee law appear not to cover persons forced to relocate because of climate change impacts such as drought or sea level rise."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meltz, Robert
2012-07-27
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Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [January 3, 2013]
"This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007: the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, authorizes EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] to regulate GHG emissions. EPA's subsequent efforts to carry out that authority have been sustained by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions from other sources, and, if EPA does, whether the CAA authorizes capand- trade programs. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meltz, Robert
2013-01-03
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Implications of Climate Change for the U.S. Army
From the Executive Summary: "Current conversations about climate change and its impacts are often rancorous and politically charged. As an organization that is, by law, non-partisan, the Department of Defense (DoD) is precariously unprepared for the national security implications of climate change-induced global security challenges. This study examines the implications of climate change for the United States Army. This includes national security challenges associated with or worsened by climate change, and organizational challenges arising from climate change-related issues in the domestic environment. Given that, the study's starting point is the implications of climate change for the U.S. Army, and the Army is therefore the focus of the analysis and recommendations. That said, much of the analysis involves DoD and other elements of the government, and most of the Army-specific recommendations have parallels that apply to other military services."
Army War College (U.S.)
Hill, Andrew A.; Jahn, Molly; Thomas, Nicole . . .
2019-07?
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Assessing the Homeland Security Impacts of a Changing Climate, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, First Session, April 9, 2019
This is the April 9, 2019 hearing titled "Assessing the Homeland Security Impacts of a Changing Climate," held before the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Donald M. Payne, Jr.: "The last time this committee held a noticed activity on climate change, it was in 2015 when the Republicans held a hearing entitled 'Examining DHS's Misplaced Focus on Climate Change.' Let me be clear: Climate change is here, it is happening, and the scientific evidence is there, and it is a threat to our security. If continued unchecked, the effects of climate change will have a devastating impact on nearly every aspect of American life. Scientists from all over the world are clear: If we do not start taking steps to address this issue, it will soon be too late. As climate change continues to make extreme weather events worse, our critical infrastructure will be at risk of failing--a terrifying prospect for our homeland security." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Astrid Caldas, Timothy Manning, Kristie Trousdale, and Dan Eggleston.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2019
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Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [July 2, 2012]
"This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions under other CAA authorities. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meltz, Robert
2012-07-02
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National Water Program 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change
"Climate change poses significant challenges to water resources and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Water Program (NWP). The NWP 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change addresses climate change in the context of our water programs. It emphasizes assessing and managing risk and incorporating adaptation into core programs. Many of the programs and activities already underway throughout the NWP-such as protecting healthy watersheds and wetlands; managing stormwater with green infrastructure; and improving the efficiency and sustainability of water infrastructure, including promoting energy and water efficiency, reducing pollutants, and protecting drinking water and public health-are even more important to do in light of climate change. However, climate change poses such significant challenges to the nation's water resources that more transformative approaches will be necessary. These include critical reflection on programmatic assumptions and development and implementation of plans to address climate change's challenges."
United States. Environmental Protection Agency
2012-12
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Highlights of Progress: 2012: Report on the Implementation of the 'National Action Plan: Priorities for Managing Freshwater Resources in a Changing Climate'
"In October 2011, the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force published a 'National Action Plan' providing an overview of the challenges that a changing climate presents for the management of the Nation's freshwater resources and recommending actions for Federal agencies to support water resource managers in understanding and reducing the risks of climate change. During 2012, Federal agency members of the Task Force have worked to implement the actions called for in the National Action Plan. This 'Highlights of Progress: 2012' document summarizes the progress agencies have made in implementing the 'National Action Plan' between January 2012 and January 2013. The 'National Action Plan' was developed in response to a recommendation in the October 2010 'Progress Report' of the Interagency Climate Change and Adaptation Task Force. It was developed for the Task Force by an Interagency Climate Change and Water Resources Workgroup made up of representatives from Federal agencies involved in water resources science and management. The Workgroup, which is co-chaired by the Department of Interior (DOI), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), prepared this 'Highlights of Progress: 2012' document to provide an annual report to the public concerning progress in addressing this important topic (see Supporting Action #1; page 16 of the 'National Action Plan'). Six recommendations to improve water resources management in a changing climate are presented in the 'National Action Plan.'"
United States. Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force
2013-03
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Climate Change Adaptation Plan: U.S. Department of the Treasury
"The U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) recognizes that climate change will be one of the major challenges of the 21st century. Treasury understands that certain aspects of its operations and mission could be impacted by expected changes in regional climate conditions throughout the United States. Treasury intends to take a comprehensive approach to climate change that incorporates new knowledge and changing conditions into our missions, facility operations, and programs. This approach will enhance the capacity of our operations, design, construction, planning, and maintenance to adapt to a changing climate. Our goal is to develop practical, nationally consistent, legally justifiable, and cost effective measures, both structural and nonstructural, to reduce vulnerabilities to climate change. We are taking a collaborative approach that embodies a new attitude to partnering between agencies. This collaboration takes advantage of our different perspectives and expertise so that our progress on adaptation reflects the best available and actionable science. We are taking a phased approach that allows us to identify uncertainties, whether in climate projections or in systems responses, so that we begin adaptation in areas where uncertainties are relatively smaller and the risk of adverse or unintended consequences is lower. We are developing and implementing plans, policies, and infrastructure adaptation in parallel, rather than sequentially, so that adaptation begins soonest for projects that are most vulnerable. We are refining our adaptation based on the new knowledge."
United States. Department of the Treasury
2012-06
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HHS Climate Change Adaptation Plan
"Section 8(i) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13514, 'Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance,' requires that each Federal agency evaluate agency climate change risks and vulnerabilities to manage both the short and long-term effects of climate change on the agency's mission and operations, and prepare a Climate Change Adaptation Plan (Adaptation Plan). In accordance with the instructions of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), dated February 29, 2012, this Adaptation Plan applies to the agency level, not to agency divisions or offices, which will be examining effects of climate change on the their mission and operations, as appropriate. […] As part of this effort, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has completed a final analysis of agency vulnerability to climate change for internal use. […] This document will outline the challenges posed by climate change to the HHS mission, programs, and operations, and identify specific actions in FY 2013 and beyond to better understand and address those challenges."
United States. Department of Health and Human Services
2012-06-29
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Climate Change, Permafrost, and Impacts on Civil Infrastructure
This is a "Permafrost Task Force Report" from the U.S. Arctic Research Commission. "Permafrost, or perenially frozen ground, is a critical component of the cryosphere and the Arctic system. Permafrost regions occupy approximately 24% of the terrestrial surface of the Northern Hemisphere; further, the distribution of subsea permafrost in the Arctic Ocean is not well known, but new occurrences continue to be found. The effects of climatic warming on permafrost and the seasonally thawed layer above it (the active layer) can severely disrupt ecosystems and human infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, utilities, pipelines, and airstrips. The susceptibility of engineering works to thaw-induced damage is particularly relevant to communities and structures throughout northern Alaska, Russia, and Canada. It is clear from the long-term paleographic record in these areas that climatic warming can lead to increases in permafrost temperature, thickening of the active layer, and a reduction in the percentage of the terrestrial surface underlain by near-surface permafrost. Such changes can lead to extensive settlement of the ground surface, with attendant damage to infrastructure. To advance U.S. and international permafrost research, the U.S. Arctic Research Commission in 2002 chartered a task force on climate change, permafrost, and infrastructure impacts. The task force was asked to identify key issues and research needs to foster a greater understanding of global change impacts on permafrost in the Arctic and their linkages to natural and human systems. Permafrost was found to play three key roles in the context of climatic changes: as a record keeper (temperature archive); as a translator of climatic change (subsidence and related impacts); and as a facilitator of climatic change (impact on the global carbon cycle). The potential for melting of ice-rich permafrost constitutes a significant environmental hazard in high-latitude regions."
United States. Arctic Research Commission
Brigham, Lawson W.; Nelson, Frederick E.
2003-12
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Chinese and Russian Policies on Climate Change: Implications for U.S. National Security Policy
From the thesis abstract: "Since the conclusion of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol negotiations, the Chinese government has been steadily increasing measures for the reduction of its greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. Meanwhile, the Russian government has been extremely hesitant to even acknowledge humanity's role in climate change. This thesis investigates why China and Russia have chosen to take such divergent paths regarding climate change after compliance obligations were established at Kyoto. The factors considered include shifts in national public opinion regarding climate change, economics, demographics, expected future effects of global warming, resources, and the Kyoto Protocol itself. The case studies of Chinese and Russian climate change policies and programs highlight three significant factors in the divergence: 1) the Kyoto Protocol, which set the initial policy baselines for both countries; 2) geography and demography, which forced China to take actions to combat climate change since it is half the size of Russia but has roughly ten times as many people; and 3) the lengthy and continuous leadership of Russia's current president--Vladimir Putin--who has held the position of either president or prime minister since 1999 and has taken virtually no action to combat climate change."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Sechrist, David T.
2016-06
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Climate Change: Activities of Selected Agencies to Address Potential Impact on Global Migration, Report to Congressional Requesters
"The effects of climate change, combined with other factors, may alter human migration trends across the globe, according to the International Organization for Migration. For example, climate change can increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, causing populations to move from an area. Climate change can also intensify slow-onset disasters, such as drought, crop failure, or sea level rise, potentially altering longer-term migration trends. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review how U.S. agencies address climate change as a potential driver of global migration. For State, USAID [United States Agency for International Development], and DOD, this report (1) describes executive branch actions related to climate change and migration from fiscal years 2014 through 2018; (2) examines the extent to which the agencies discussed the potential effects of climate change on migration in their plans and risk assessments; and (3) describes agency activities on the issue. GAO analyzed documents on administration priorities; reviewed agency plans, risk assessments, and documentation of agency activities; and interviewed agency officials."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2019-01
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Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [July 23, 2012]
"This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions under other CAA authorities. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meltz, Robert
2012-07-23
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H. Rept. 116-375: Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 4737, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, January 10, 2020
From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 4737, the 'Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act,' would direct the Department of Homeland Security (the Department or DHS)'s Science and Technology Directorate to assess current Federal research regarding the connection between climate change and homeland security to identify research gaps and, to the extent practical, conduct additional research to fill identified gaps. In addition to focusing on how climate change can result in competition for resources, economic distress, and social discontent, the research shall consider the degree to which climate change is reflected in terrorism preparedness, and how Federal spending is affected for disasters that are aggravated by climate change. Under this measure, DHS would also be required, to the extent practical, to develop approaches to mitigate the consequences of climate change on homeland security. For three years after enactment of H.R. 4737, DHS would be required to submit annual reports to Congress on the Department's activities in furtherance of the implementation of this measure."
United States. Government Publishing Office
2020-01-10
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Effects of Climate Change on Federal Hydropower: Report to Congress August 2013
From the Executive Summary: "As directed by Congress in Section 9505 of the SECURE Water Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-11), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in consultation with the federal Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) and other federal agencies, has prepared a comprehensive assessment examining the potential effects of climate change on water available for hydropower generation at federal facilities and on the marketing of that power. [...] The 9505 Assessment, [...] included: 1) a historical analysis of the sensitivity of federal hydropower operations to climate variables, 2) a climate modeling analysis that projected climate conditions and impacts to hydropower into the future, and 3) a literature review of other related climate studies for comparison to the 9505 modeling results. [...] The 9505 Assessment gives federal hydropower administrators the opportunity to plan their operational or contracting responses to these changes. Recommendations from the PMA administrators on how they can respond to the effects of climate change are included as part of this Report to Congress. The future assessments that are required every five years under Section 9505 can be improved by incorporating improved climate models and data that will become available soon, closer examination of extreme events and longer-term change in more detail, and addressing the interactions among hydropower and other water uses."
United States. Department of Energy
2013-08
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Approach for Assessing Human Health Vulnerability and Public Health Interventions to Adapt to Climate Change
"Assessments of the potential human health impacts of climate change are needed to inform the development of adaptation strategies, policies, and measures to lessen projected adverse impacts. For this paper, the authors developed methods for country-level assessments to help policy makers make evidence-based decisions to increase resilience to current and future climates, and to provide information for national communications to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The steps in an assessment should include the following: a) determine the scope of the assessment; b) describe the current distribution and burden of climate-sensitive health determinants and outcomes; c) identify and describe current strategies, policies, and measures designed to reduce the burden of climate-sensitive health determinants and outcomes; d) review the health implications of the potential impacts of climate variability and change in other sectors; e) estimate the future potential health impacts using scenarios of future changes in climate, socioeconomic, and other factors; f) synthesize the results; and g) identify additional adaptation policies and measures to reduce potential negative health impacts. Key issues for ensuring that an assessment is informative, timely, and useful include stakeholder involvement, an adequate management structure, and a communication strategy."
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
2006-12
