As the natural world changes around us, so does our way of life in ways both large and small. It is the most vulnerable communities that will bear the worst impacts of these changes, both around the world and here in the United States. But the economic impact of rising seas, more extreme weather and unraveling ecosystems will affect us all. In many places, severe impacts have already arrived: one need only look to America’s Arctic, which is warming as quickly as any place else on Earth, to see a sign of what is to come.
The science tells us that, if we want to avoid the worst impacts and major economic losses, we must cut our emissions deeply and urgently. This means that all countries, including the US, must act together to address this global problem. We need continued US leadership on climate change here at home and continued cooperation with our partners around the globe. The good news is that this huge challenge also presents a huge opportunity: by tackling this problem now, we can grow our economy and transform our nation into a clean energy superpower – creating millions of good paying jobs and increasing our energy security while also saving the planet. This transformation is already underway globally. The US can choose to continue to lead it or be left behind.
Congress and the new Administration must continue to make action on climate change a priority, both at home and abroad.
Read on below to find out how they should do so.
