by T. Lau25th May 2010
National Academy of Sciences
Issues Reports on Climate Change
During the Bush administration, Congress asked the National Academy of Sciences, comprised of the nation's elite scientists, to study the issue of climate change and issue a report. Last week the NAS did exactly that, and issued three sobering reports on climate change. The reports (titled Advancing the Science for Climate Change, Limiting the Magnitude of Future Climate Change and Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change) are notable because they abandon normal scientific language for an urgent tone in calling for action.
The first report concludes that climate change is happening, and it is caused by humans. The report notes that science is never closed and that there is still serious debate about global warming, but the report states that "climate change is occurring, is caused largely by human activities, and poses significant risks for -- and in many cases is already affecting -- a broad range of human and natural systems. The report recommends that a single government entity be given the authority and resources to coordinate a national effort to improve understanding and responses to climate change.
The second report on limiting the magnitude of future climate change recommends that the U.S. must reduce domestic greenhouse gas emissions which will require actions beyond business as usual. The report suggests either a tax on emissions or cap and trade, or both, but cautions that putting a price on carbon alone will not reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The third report about adapting to the impacts of climate change makes several recommendations to lawmakers, including making plans now for a possible five foot rise in sea levels by the end of the century. These plans may include relocating population areas away from coasts and shore lines.
Overall the NAS says there is an "urgent need" for the U.S. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The scientists also conclude that the evidence makes a "compelling" case that climate change is happening now. With all this science weighing in, and climate reports that 2010 is already shaping up to beat 2009 as the warmest year on the planet on record, are there any climate change doubters left out there?
Article courtesy of Enterprise IT Planet
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