Report published on November 3, 2017

Summary

Earlier this month, thirteen federal agencies published a report through the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) that claims humans are primarily responsible for global warming through the increased production of greenhouse gases in the last century. The White House has released this report, despite its direct opposition to the touted Trump administration position. The report goes so far as to say that there is “no convincing alternative [to human responsibility for climate change] supported by observable science.” The report describes increasing global temperatures and rising seas levels with the expectation that these changes will continue at an alarming rate. These changes are linked to extreme weather events, which could increase in intensity and frequency. Unless something is done about the emission of greenhouse gases, there will be dire social and economic consequences the world over, which disproportionately affect the world’s poorest individuals and communities.

Analysis

Since taking office, Trump and his administration have consistently denied the reality of climate change in both word and deed. However, scientists within the government have not allowed such talk to stay their research, even though Pruitt has banned many scientific grant recipients from his advisory councils. The U.S. is currently the only country that is not a part of the Paris Climate Agreement since Trump withdrew earlier this year. However, the U.S. is responsible for 27 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.  Despite the pointed nature of the report, the White House has been silent on the point of climate change since its release of the document.

Engagement Resources

• Read the Full USGCRP Report (Executive Summary) and access their Resource Guide
• Get Involved at a local level
• How-to guide for calling Congress
• Further reading on Climate Change
• Resources for talking to kids about climate change

This brief was compiled by Megan Toney. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact megan@usresistnews.org.