The United States is experiencing a more rapid increase in temperature compared to the rest of the world, resulting in severe and worsening effects of the climate crisis on its population. A reliable report from the US government confirms this trend and predicts even more detrimental impacts in the future.

The recent National Climate Assessment has revealed that a range of damaging effects is spreading across the entire country, including but not limited to intense heat and rising sea levels in Florida, depleted fish populations, and heightened food insecurity in Alaska.

Although the United States’ emissions that contribute to global warming have decreased since reaching their highest point in 2007, these declines are insufficient to meet global goals for preventing catastrophic climate change. According to the report, unless there are further decreases in carbon emissions, the United States will face increasingly severe climate hazards.

According to the report, the effects of climate change will become increasingly severe in the coming decade, even if there is a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. It also states that the decisions made by the US and other nations will shape the future course of climate change and its consequences for generations to come.

The latest version of the mandatory climate report, created by over 750 experts from various US government agencies, has been released. This comes after a summer filled with extreme climate events across the country, such as devastating and deadly fires in Hawaii, thick smoke from wildfires along the eastern coast, and record-breaking heat in multiple states.

According to Allison Crimmins, a climate scientist and director of the National Climate Assessment, the recent report indicates a growing number of individuals facing the effects of climate change firsthand. This includes risks such as wildfires, extreme heat, and floods, resulting in a disaster with damages exceeding $1 billion occurring in the US roughly every three weeks. This frequency has increased from once every four months in the 1980s.

She stated that we must increase our pace and push for greater progress. It is known that even a small increase in temperature can lead to more severe consequences for the environment in the US, especially for marginalized communities.

The report was published ahead of the important United Nations climate negotiations in Dubai and is the first of its kind to be released during Joe Biden’s presidency. The last assessment was released by the Donald Trump administration on the day after Thanksgiving in 2018.

The White House has utilized the revised report to highlight the actions of the US president in tackling the climate emergency. They have announced over $5 billion in additional funding towards improving the electric grid, increasing resilience to natural disasters, and advancing initiatives to combat environmental inequality.

The government is trying to calm the increasing anxiety among individuals worried about climate change regarding the president’s continuous endorsement of oil and gas initiatives that prolong the existence of the fossil fuel industry.

According to Ali Zaidi, President Biden’s climate advisor, the Inflation Reduction Act has led to a significant investment in clean energy. Zaidi highlighted the endorsement of the economic and health benefits of transitioning to solar, wind, and electric vehicles in the climate assessment. Zaidi also stated that President Biden’s approach to climate change focuses on transforming crisis into opportunity by investing in the foundation of America.

However, the government recognizes that the difficulty is still immense. John Podesta, an advisor on clean energy to Biden, stated that the climate crisis is undoubtedly present. The goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is a monumental challenge that will require unprecedented changes to the global economy. While this may seem daunting, the national climate assessment indicates that the United States is already taking steps towards making this transformation a reality.

The report, consisting of 32 chapters, was produced by a team of scientists. It covers a wide range of topics such as the effects of climate change on oceans, agriculture, transportation, and cultural customs. According to the scientists, their confidence in the relationship between global warming and extreme weather events has increased since the previous report in 2018.

According to Adam Terando, a scientist at the US Geological Survey and co-author of the report, human activity is undeniably responsible for the current and ongoing effects of climate change.

People who work in this field may find this statement repetitive, but it is important to continuously remind everyone that our actions are causing a reaction in the physical system. Our reliance on fossil fuels has tangible effects.

According to Kristina Dahl, a climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, who was not part of the study, the report serves as another warning sign and highlights that the current changes we are experiencing are unlike anything seen in human history.

She stated, “The evidence is undeniable: we need to quickly decrease emissions that contribute to global warming and implement significant policies to adapt to climate change in all parts of the country. This will help prevent a series of destructive events and reduce their impact on our lives and economy.”

The results of the report are:

• The current state of our climate is leading to disturbances in every area of the United States. The north-east is experiencing more frequent floods due to increased rainfall, while the south-west is facing extended periods of drought. One consistent factor is the rise in temperature, as all regions are seeing warmer temperatures and longer heatwaves. This trend is also evident in nighttime and winter temperatures rising at a faster rate than daytime and summer temperatures.

• Human health is currently suffering from the negative effects of air pollution caused by smog, wildfire smoke, dust, and higher pollen levels. Additionally, extreme weather events and the spread of infectious diseases are also contributing to the decline of people’s health. Individuals born in 2020 will encounter a significantly greater number of climate-related risks than those born in 1965.

• The water cycle is undergoing significant changes, which could lead to increased chances of floods, droughts, and impaired water resources for individuals living in the US. The amount of snow in mountainous areas is decreasing, and rising temperatures pose a threat to the nation’s groundwater supply.

• The daily and leisurely pursuits of Americans are in danger due to the changing climate. This is resulting in the spread of invasive species and harmful algal blooms, which are limiting access to beaches and fishing for specific types of fish. Indigenous people, who rely on these activities for their subsistence, are also being affected as culturally significant species are moving in response to rising temperatures.

• The United States, which has historically been the largest producer of carbon emissions, has seen a decrease of approximately 12% since 2005. This reduction can be attributed to a significant drop in the costs of wind and solar energy, with a decrease of 70% and 90%, respectively, in the past ten years. The report concludes that transitioning to clean energy sources is more beneficial than costly in terms of reducing emissions.

Source: theguardian.com