The New Report On Climate, Part 4

Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II: Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States; The National Climate Assessment (NCA) assesses the science of climate change and variability and its impacts across the United States, now and throughout this century.

November 23, 2018 (U.S. Global Change Research Program)

“…[The Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II, a congressionally-mandated report from 13 federal agencies] detailing the impacts of climate change across the United States, shows] the clear and present danger that human-caused climate change poses to the American people, especially to communities of color, the elderly and rural communities…[It shows climate change doubled the area burned by wildfires across the West between 1984 and 2015. By 2100, annual acreage burned could increase by as much as 6 times. Historically, the U.S. has spent an average of $1 billion a year to fight wildfires. In the first eight months of 2017, costs exceeded $2 billion…Rising temperatures are reducing snow-to-rain ratios, leading to significant differences between the timing of water supply and demand…[and] Atlantic hurricane activity has increased…

Climate change is upsetting coastal ecosystems, threatening fisheries, the tourism industry, public safety, and human health. Continuing coastal impacts will worsen existing social inequities as vulnerable communities reckon with adaptation…Sea levels have risen 8-9 inches since 1880, three inches of which have occurred since 1990. As much as 8 feet of sea level rise is possible by 2100 if greenhouse gas pollution is left unchecked…Even with adaptation measures, billions to hundreds of billions of dollars of additional damages are expected by 2100. Lasting damage to personal property and infrastructure will lead to financial losses and higher insurance premiums…” click here for more

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