Extreme Heat
One of the clearest findings of climate science is that global warming amplifies the intensity, duration and frequency of extreme heat events.
Science
Issue Areas
The Carbon Budget
Following the publication of the latest findings by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), some commentators zeroed in on a short paragraph in the Summary for Policymakers. This brief section lays out a “carbon budget,” defined as the precise quantity of carbon dioxide that humans can emit and still limit warming to 2ºC above pre-industrial levels.
Archive
Significant Economic Risks from Climate Change
Non-partisan Study Breaks New Ground in Climate Risk Assessment New York, June 24 – The American economy could face significant and widespread disruptions from climate change unless U.S. businesses and policymakers take immediate action to reduce climate risk, according to a …
Archive
EU Nations Commit to Cut Emissions
EU Announcement Builds Momentum Toward Lima, Paris Early this morning, the European Union pledged to cut emissions by at least 40% from 1990 levels by 2030. This marks the first public target by a major global emitter before the 2015 United Nations …
News
Economics of Keystone XL
A Summary of Expert Analyses Introduction The Obama administration’s decision on whether to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline will affect the United States’ climate and energy future. In June, President Obama said he would only approve the pipeline if experts …
News
Companies Dropping ALEC
The exodus from the corporate lobby group known as the American Legislative Exchange Council (or ALEC) continues, with Rupert Murdoch-owned publisher News Corp. joining oil manufacturer Occidental Petroleum and International Paper as the latest companies to make their split public. Linda Peterson of Occidental said the company was concerned it could be “presumed to share” ALEC’s position on climate change.
Archive
Businesses Invest in Climate Action
CEOs Plan for a Climate Change Future More than ever before, corporate CEOs are publicly acknowledging the validity of climate science, and major companies are committing resources to adaptation and mitigation efforts. In an interview with the Economist this August, President Obama …
News
More Momentum on Climate Change from the G20 Summit
Climate Change Call to Action Issued at Close of G20 This weekend’s G20 Summit capped a week of exciting developments on climate change. The summit concluded with the release of a communique emphasizing G20 countries’ commitment to “strong and effective action to …
News
China and U.S. Enter Historic Accord on Climate Change
The new leadership from China is game changing event for international climate cooperation. The U.S. continues progress despite gridlock in Congress. International climate cooperation is working. Quotes from key experts: "Today's announcement is the political breakthrough we've been waiting for. …
Archive
U.S.-China Climate Deal: Setting the Record Straight
Misleading Charges and How to Get the Story Right The surprise announcement of a major agreement between China and the United States has pundits scrambling for description. While most have gotten the story right, there are a number of misleading …
Archive
India and Climate Policy
Narendra Modi, in his first year as Prime Minister of India, has charted a new direction on both energy policy and climate change, establishing new political priorities and re-directing investment. Domestic economic development remains a core priority for the Indian …
State Impacts
Southwest
Climate Change Impacts Arizona • California • Colorado • Nevada • New Mexico • Utah The following is a compilation of climate change impacts occurring right here, right now in the Southwest, as well as projected impacts, economic and human health consequences, and …
State Impacts
Northwest
The following is a compilation of climate change impacts occurring right here, right now in the Northwest, as well as projected impacts, economic and human health consequences, and notable recent events. The Northwest is home to 12 million inhabitants. Climate change already poses a challenge to the Northwest, from extreme heat to wildfires, and conditions are likely to increase in severity.
State Impacts
Northeast
The following is a compilation of climate change impacts occurring right here, right now in the Northeast, as well as projected impacts, economic and human health consequences, and notable recent events.
State Impacts
Midwest
The following is a compilation of regional climate change impacts in the Midwest pulled from the Third U.S. National Climate Assessment, Risky Business, and other sources.
Archive
China’s Coal Use Continues to Plummet
Carbon emissions fall as China invests heavily in clean energy
Basics, Communication Basics
Talking About Climate Change
Dos, don’ts, and tackling myths about climate change.
News
IEA Historically Underestimates Renewables, Overestimates Fossils
While widely respected as one of the world’s most important sources of energy data and analysis, the IEA has consistently underestimated the actual growth of renewable energy in these reports for at least a decade.
News, Paris Agreement
Leaders And Experts From Multiple Sectors Speak Up In Support of the Paris Agreement
BUSINESS / FINANCE Mindy Lubber, President, Ceres Quote: "In signing the Paris Agreement, governments sent a clear market signal that clean energy is now a multi-trillion dollar opportunity. The Paris Agreement is a strong framework that will help shift trillions in …
Extreme Weather
Historic Houston Floods Bear Classic Climate Signature
The record-breaking rainfall driving Houston’s deadly floods parallels the trend toward more extreme rainfall in our warming world.