Bonamici Calls for Action on Climate Change in Response 4th National Climate Assessment

Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee's Environment Subcommittee, called for comprehensive action to reduce carbon emissions and for stronger investments in clean energy following the release of the second volume of the Fourth National Climate Assessment by the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP).

The National Climate Assessment is a science-based evaluation of the consequences of climate change, the risks of inaction, and potential adaptation strategies. The second volume provides a regional focus that acknowledges the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable communities and different sectors of our economy.

"It is past time for Congress and the country to address the growing threat of climate change," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "The National Climate Assessment adds to the overwhelming research demonstrating that the consequences of inaction on climate change will be serious and swift. Without intervention, we will see record heat waves, more acidic oceans, raging wildfires, unprecedented hurricanes, rising sea levels, and a surge in extreme weather patterns - all in our lifetime.

"The United States has the ability to lead the world's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I will continue to work with my colleagues to highlight this critical issue and to implement adaptation and mitigation strategies as we fight to take meaningful action on climate change."

The National Climate Assessment is a collaborative, peer-reviewed effort across federal agencies compiled by the nation's top scientists. A federal law requires that the Administration release the Assessment every four years. The Administration released Volume One of the Fourth NCA, the Climate Science Special Report, in November 2017. The first volume focused on assessing the science of climate change.

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