I was very fortunate to attend a panel discussion at the US Climate Action Center at the COP24 about the implications of climate change for the US. The panel highlighted the recent Fourth National Climate Assessment report which was released only a few weeks ago in November. The report was produced over four years and included contributions and support from numerous scientists and agencies. The report also illustrates the incredible ambition that is still present in the US despite the stance of the current administration on climate change. The hope is that the resource will inform Americans about the current and projected consequences of climate change rousing people to demand a response from their leaders and policymakers.
The report provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of climate change and its immediate and longterm impacts. The moderator called for a change in the discussion. The conversation should not be about if we have enough scientific evidence. The science is clear with consensus among the community. The conversation should be about producing policies that actually reflect the knowledge and evidence that science has given us. The moderator Andrew Light said, “we didn’t have a debate about whether or not the lead found in Flint, Michigan water is dangerous. In the same way, the science of climate change should not be a debate.” Katherine Brown from the University of Michigan pointed out that the most significant implication of the report is the cost of inaction.
One of the emerging themes from the panel was the recognition that climate change is also an issue of public health. The increased frequency and intensity of major weather events and disasters have posed major public health challenges. Hurricane Harvey is just one example that brings climate change and public health closer to home. Over a year later, many people are still recovering from the devastating effects of the hurricane. These types of events will become more intense and frequent if a coordinated effort is not taken.
John Furlow from Columbia University discussed the growing disconnect between the people who have information and those that need it. Unfortunately, many private actors do not know where to get the information. It will be important to think about how to best translate and disseminate the often intimidating scientific and technical information found in these climate reports so that it can be understood by laypeople. How do we produce messaging that is both relevant and actionable for someone in their local community?
The current US administration is pulling out of the Paris Agreement and federal support for climate action is lacking. However, California state senator Hertzberg and Anukriti Hittle, climate change coordinator for the state of Hawaii believe there is still ample work to be done at the state, local and private sector. The US has a long way to go to achieve their emissions goals and fulfill their contributions to the Paris Agreement. The United States may not have federal leadership however, “American cities and counties, states and tribes, businesses and investors, faith groups, colleges and universities, cultural institutions and health care organizations have all taken up the mantle of climate leadership.” The US Climate Action Center and panelists reminded the audience that the United States is still involved in climate action.