Drought, Flooding, and Extreme Weather Threaten American Communities

Environment America

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, the U.S. Global Change Research Program published the third National Climate Assessment. The report found that every region of the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii, is currently experiencing the effects of global warming.

Environment America Executive Director Margie Alt issued the following statement in response:

“We’ve known for decades that global warming threatens our future. This report shows how our families and communities are being harmed today.

“Today’s report explains the science behind what farmers, first responders, flood insurers, victims of Hurricane Sandy and other major storms have seen firsthand: global warming is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, contributing to sea level rise, and increasing drought, and no region of the country is off the hook.

“In less than a month, the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to propose limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants for the first time. Despite power plants being the largest source of carbon pollution in the county, they have gone for decades without the kinds of limits they have for soot, smog, and other dangerous air pollution.

“This isn’t the only action we need to solve the climate crisis. But limiting carbon pollution from power plants is a major step that will move us dramatically closer to staving off the worst impacts of climate change.”