NRDC: Global Warming: In Depth

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Issues: Global Warming

In Depth Articles

See the NRDC Policy Solutions section for more expert analysis of environmental issues. You may also wish to view the working materials in the NRDC Document Bank

Creating a Sustainable Future for the Midwest
Fact Sheet: Now is a critical time of transformation in the Midwest. With abundant sun, soil, and wind resources, we can be on the cutting edge of new technologies that will power America into a clean energy future. But the Midwest is also ground zero for many adverse effects of global warming. These impacts are particularly intense from both dirty energy sources and the changing weather patterns that will dramatically affect agriculture, the lifeblood of the region. Now is the time to invest in the new clean energy economy that will create jobs, help curb global warming, and restore Midwest leadership for the twenty-first century.
Analysis of H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES)
Legislative Analysis: An analysis of H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), outlining the potential of the legislation for creating millions of jobs, breaking our dependence on oil, and reducing the pollution that causes global warming. The analysis also includes suggestions for strengthening this critically important legislation.
Boosting Energy Efficiency Nationwide Through Measurement and Performance-Based Rewards
Fact Sheet: Energy efficiency is the most cost effective means for reducing global warming pollution. According to McKinsey and Company, the energy bill savings from efficiency investments could roughly offset the cost of implementing a mandatory carbon cap. And many of these investments already make sense economically: McKinsey estimates that a $50 billion per year investment could result in $1.2 trillion in energy bill savings by 2020 while reducing end-use energy consumption by about 23 percent of projected demand. In addition to saving Americans money on their utility bills, investments in energy efficiency would put downward pressure on electricity, natural gas, and carbon allowance prices (when a carbon cap has been established), while creating 600,000 to 900,000 new jobs. Establishing a reliable measurement for energy efficiency performance and rewarding success in improving performance will help America reach its full energy-saving potential.
A Clean Energy Bargain: More Jobs, Less Global Warming Pollution, and Greater Security for Less Than the Cost of a Postage Stamp a Day
Fact Sheet: The United States moved toward economic recovery, environmental protection, and energy security when the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES). According to new economic analysis, this important legislation will protect the planet for less than the cost of a postage stamp a day per household, and represents a great investment in America’s future. Now it’s up to the Senate to turn this bill into a law.
DOs and DON’Ts for Creating Carbon Price Safeguards
Legislative Analysis: As the Senate takes up energy and climate legislation, many are considering the best approach to meet a strong cap on carbon emissions while assuring that carbon allowance prices remain reasonable and that market abuses are prevented. The core tools we need are a means to provide additional allowances to the market without breaking the law’s emissions cap, and a robust set of market regulation safeguards against market abuse. With these tools, Congress can deter price manipulation and place effective limits on prices without compromising the law’s vital climate protection objectives.
Top 10 Reasons the Senate Should Pass Climate and Energy Legislation This Year
Legislative Analysis: The House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) at the end of June. The House bill is not perfect (no legislation is), but it addresses concerns about cost, consumer protection, regional impacts, and industrial competitiveness that are key to success in the Senate. Now it is the Senate’s turn to act. This fact sheet details the top 10 reasons the Senate should move this fall to pass strong and comprehensive energy and climate legislation.
Opportunities for Agriculture
Fact Sheet: The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) includes significant benefits for American farmers, including incentives for increasing energy efficiency and deployment of renewable energy sources. In addition, under the cap and invest system envisioned by the legislation, farmers could earn additional income through the sale of offsets -- credits for reductions in direct emissions or enhanced carbon sequestration on the farm. This legislation would provide the support that farmers and ranchers need, help them create new jobs and transform their businesses to succeed in a more secure and sustainable clean energy future.
Scaling Up Investment in Energy Efficiency with a Federal Energy Efficiency Financing Facility (FEEFF)
Fact Sheet: Despite the numerous benefits that stem from increasing energy efficiency and distributing clean power generation technologies in the buildings sector, current levels of investment fall far short of what is achievable and necessary. In today’s economic climate, many worthwhile projects are simply unable to obtain the financing they need and it is unclear whether existing government programs such as loan guarantees will be sufficient to overcome this shortfall. Creating a complementary Federal Energy Efficiency Financing Facility (FEEFF) to support investment in efficiency projects would provide access to much-needed capital and help move our nation toward a clean energy economy.
Moving America toward a Clean Energy Economy and Reducing Global Warming Pollution: Legislative Tools
Testimony: Testimony of David G. Hawkins, Director of Climate Programs, NRDC, before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Hearing on Moving America toward a Clean Energy Economy and Reducing Global Warming Pollution: Legislative Tools, July 7, 2009.
Communities Tackle Global Warming
Issue Paper: California's Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act, or SB 375, is the nation's first legislation to link transportation and land use planning with global warming. SB 375 is an important step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous California. Locating housing closer to jobs and transportation choices and creating walkable communities can reduce commute times and cut millions of tons of global warming pollution, while improving quality of life.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES)
Index of Fact Sheets: The American Clean Energy and Security Act, also known as the Waxman-Markey bill, has the major ingredients to generate millions of jobs, break our dependence on oil and reduce the pollution that causes global warming. Comprehensive energy and climate legislation will create the incentives necessary to build the clean energy economy and help make America a leader for the 21st century.
Reducing Pollution Outside of the Carbon Cap: The Role of Offsets and Complementary Policies
Fact Sheet: Reducing overall domestic emissions at least 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and at least 80 percent by 2050 will require emissions reductions not only from large stationary sources of global warming pollution such as power plants, industrial
facilities, and fuel refineries, but also from those sources that are individually too small or dispersed to include under the cap, such as agricultural emissions from the use of nitrogen fertilizers. Similarly, there are means for sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2)—that is, absorbing it out of the atmosphere and storing it safely—in carbon “sinks” such as soils and forests that are difficult to account for under a cap. The United States must adopt alternative mechanisms such as mandatory policies, incentives, and domestic and international offsets to drive emissions reductions and carbon sequestration in these “uncapped sectors” both domestically and abroad.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) Can Help Build the Clean Energy Economy and Solve the Climate Crisis
Fact Sheet: The American Clean Energy and Security Act -- better known as the Waxman-Markey clean energy and climate bill -- has the major ingredients to generate millions of jobs, break our dependence on oil, and reduce the pollution that causes global warming.
Eat Green
Fact Sheet: What we eat matters. The food choices we make every day have a big effect on the environment. The good news is that even small changes in what we buy and eat can add up to real environmental benefits, including fewer toxic chemicals, reduced global warming emissions, and preservation of our ocean resources. Eating “green” can also mean eating fresher, healthier foods while reducing your grocery bill and supporting our farmers.
Congress Must Protect Our Communities and Natural Resources from the Worst Impacts of Global Warming
Fact Sheet: We must prepare for--and prevent against--the worst impacts of global warming by acting now to protect our communities and natural systems. Fortunately, Congress is on the brink of considering legislation that can guard our natural resources and our health against global warming pollution. NRDC has developed a set of recommendations that can help policy makers put the best systems in place to protect our communities and natural resources.
Testimony of NRDC on the "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009"
Index: Testimony of NRDC president Frances Beinecke, David G. Hawkins and David Doniger before the U.S. House of Representatives on the "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009"
Testimony re the "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009"
Testimony: This testimony covers three somewhat far-ranging topics which this panel has been asked to address: (1) coordinating the existing Clean Air Act and comprehensive new climate legislation, and in particular, defining the role of states; (2) assuring sound regulation of carbon markets; and (3) addressing our domestic and international adaptation needs.
Testimony of David G. Hawkins re the "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009"
Testimony: Coal has fueled economic growth in the world's largest economies. But we cannot solve the climate crisis unless we cut coal's global warming emissions dramatically. We have the tools to do this. But these tools will not be deployed at the required scale unless we enact new laws to cut global warming pollution. The proposed American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES), released by Chairmen Waxman and Markey in March, is a comprehensive program to cut emissions from coal and other sources of greenhouse gases and put America on a path to economic, energy, and climate security. We cannot afford to delay enactment of this program.
Testimony of NRDC president Frances Beinecke re the “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009”
Testimony: Passing effective climate legislation is NRDC's highest priority. It is vital to enact legislation this year. As President Obama said last week, the foundation for growth and prosperity in the 21st Century must be built on solid pillars. Clean, sustainable energy is one of those pillars, and promptly enacting comprehensive energy and climate legislation is the way to put that pillar in place. Rather than being a reason for delay, the current recession amplifies the importance of acting swiftly. If the American Clean Energy and Security Act were enacted tomorrow millions of clean energy jobs would be created, starting right away. There will be no impact on energy costs in the near term, however, since limits on carbon emissions would not go into effect until 2012. By that time the current recession should be in the rear view mirror. ...
Cap 2.0: Policy Solutions for Curbing Global Warming and Building the Clean Energy Economy
Fact Sheet: The current economic crisis presents enormous challenges for American workers and virtually every sector of our economy. The crisis, however, also provides a tremendous opportunity to address the threat of global warming in a way that ensures long-term environmental and economic sustainability. In the next 20 years, the United States will invest more than $3 trillion in our energy infrastructure -- electric power plants, fuel refineries, and transmission and transportation infrastructure -- and trillions more on reducing the energy consumption of buildings, appliances, and vehicles. If we follow the Cap 2.0 policy recommendations, we can avert the growing climate crisis by reducing emissions of global warming pollution and redirect our resources toward cleaner and energy-efficient technologies that will strengthen our position in the global economy, create millions of quality jobs, and bolster our national security by cutting our reliance on fossil fuels.
AB 32 and You
Fact Sheet: California is leading the country in its effort to curb global warming with the implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32). In December 2008, the California Air Resources Board unanimously adopted the state's plan outlining steps to a cleaner and more prosperous future. This visionary plan, the most comprehensive of its kind, will recharge California's economy, improve public health and air quality, help Californians use energy more efficiently, and make the state the hub of clean energy technology development—all while curbing global warming.
Testimony of Daniel A. Lashof on Addressing Price Volatility in Climate Change Legislation
Testimony: While modest allowance price fluctuations are expected and can be beneficial, excessive volatility driven by unnecessary market uncertainty or market manipulation is problematic and should be avoided. This can be accomplished by including the following features in climate legislation: A comprehensive cap covering the broadest feasible set of emission sources; Banking of emission allowances; Effective carbon market regulation; Ample access to high quality offsets; Robust complementary measures to promote energy efficiency, cleaner transportation options, and energy supply technology transformation; An allowance price floor established through a reserve price in the primary allowance auction; A strategic offset and allowance reserve made available at a trigger price set to avoid undue economic harm.
Testimony on California’s Proposed Low-Carbon Fuel Standard
Testimony: Testimony of Roland J. Hwang, NRDC's Transportation Program Director, at the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee informational hearing on California's Proposed Low-Carbon Fuel Standard, March 16, 2009.
Reconsideration of California’s Request for a Waiver of the Motor Vehicle Emission Standards for Greenhouse Gases, 2009-2016
Testimony: Testimony of David Doniger, senior attorney and policy director of the NRDC Climate Center, before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Docket No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2006–0173, March 5, 2009
Reconsideration of California’s Request for a Waiver of the Motor Vehicle Emission Standards for Greenhouse Gases, 2009-2016
Testimony: Testimony of Roland J. Hwang, NRDC vehicles policy director and vehicle technology expert, before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2006–0173, March 5, 2009
Testimony of Barbara Finamore, Senior Attorney and China Program Director, Natural Resources Defense Council
Testimony: On March 4, 2009, Barbara Finamore testified before the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming in the United States House of Representatives. The hearing was titled, "Preparing for Copenhagen: How Developing Countries are Fighting Climate Change"
Fueling the Clean Energy Economy
Fact Sheet: For nearly 100 years, the United States has operated its transportation system with primarily one fuel: oil. As a result, the transportation sector is now the second largest source of U.S. global warming pollution, contributing 28 percent of all emissions. To solve global warming cost-effectively, we need a trio of policies to drive solutions in each of these areas: 1) an upstream cap on fuel emissions; 2) performance standards for clean, effi cient vehicles, clean fuels, and low-carbon transportation planning that we strengthen periodically; and 3) incentives to overcome market barriers to widespread adoption of low-carbon technologies, practices, and designs.
Regulating Trading in the Carbon Market
Fact Sheet: America needs strong climate policy that will boost the economy and reduce dangerous global warming pollution. A key piece of successful climate legislation will be a carbon market that allows non-polluting companies to trade carbon credits. But unregulated or self-regulated trading involves important risks. Climate legislation should require strong carbon market regulations to ensure success.
Developing the Technology of the Future
Fact Sheet: America needs strong federal action to contain the threat of global warming. But a series of barriers stand in the way of the technology innovation needed to develop a clean energy economy at the lowest possible long-term cost to society. Strategically increasing research, development, and demonstration (known as RD&D) funding for low-carbon technologies can help to overcome these barriers and jumpstart innovation.
Kick-Starting Building Efficiency
Fact Sheet: The buildings sector is the largest source of global warming pollution in the United States, including emissions from generating the electricity used in buildings. Buildings and the appliances within them currently account for roughly one-third of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and that number is on the rise. Fortunately, buildings also offer the quickest and most cost-effective opportunity to reduce global warming pollution while yielding direct economic benefits, saving consumers money and boosting U.S. industry. Energy efficiency measures such as retrofitting existing buildings and increasing the energy efficiency of new buildings can generate net savings using technology that exists today. NRDC recommends a clear set of policy solutions for reaping the immediate benefits of building efficiency.
Why Cap and Invest is Better Than a Carbon Tax
Fact Sheet: While there is widespread support for the goal of reducing our emission of global warming pollution by 80 percent by 2050, there is a vigorous debate about the best means for reaching that goal. Advocates for a carbon tax suggest that it would be simpler and more transparent than a cap and invest system, but such arguments often compare a “real-world” cap and invest design with an idealized carbon tax. When factoring in the pressure for special accommodations in the legislative process that will undoubtedly face either system, a cap and invest program is preferable to implementing a carbon tax. The following list offers five reasons, including greater certainty where it counts and more flexibility where it is needed, why a cap and invest system will best help us meet the urgent goal of reducing global warming pollution.
Powering Up Renewable Electricity
Fact Sheet: Renewable electricity is the energy of the future — it can reduce global warming emissions, moderate the long-term cost of power and help ensure our energy independence and national security by phasing out fossil fuels. To realize these benefits, we must cap carbon emissions which will put a price on global warming pollution while simultaneously helping to launch emerging renewables into the marketplace.
Cap 2.0: Investing in America
Analysis: America and the world have reached a crucial juncture on climate change. Comprehensive climate legislation that caps greenhouse gas emissions while spurring a surge in clean energy investments is the best way to achieve the reductions necessary to avoid the most catastrophic consequences of global warming. A "cap-and-invest" strategy would create millions of jobs, make America more secure and restore the United States to a position of world leadership in technology and innovation. Learn more about NRDC's policy recommendations for the next generation of climate legislation, Cap 2.0.
Investing in Our Recovery
Fact Sheet: We must focus our efforts on an economic recovery plan that provides needed short-term stimulus and lays the groundwork for a stable, long-term recovery. Enacting a cap and trade system to limit global warming pollution is an essential component of a comprehensive plan to repower America. Passing legislation to cap global warming pollution can spur investment, create millions of jobs, and help pull our lagging economy forward by providing the opportunity to borrow against the value of future pollution allowances and creating the market signals needed to trigger a surge of clean energy investments.
Trout in Trouble
Issue Paper: Global warming is the single greatest threat to the survival of trout in America's interior west. If nothing is done to reduce human-produced greenhouse gas emissions -- the primary culprit behind global warming -- trout habitat throughout the Rocky Mountain region could be reduced by 50 percent or more by the end of the century, bringing fewer opportunities for anglers to enjoy sportfishing and resulting in serious economic consequences for those who depend on the fishing, recreation and tourism industry for their livelihoods.
Testimony of Michael Goo on the Carbon Capture and Storage Early Deployment Act
Testimony: Testimony of Michael Goo, Climate Legislative Director, Natural Resources Defense Council, before the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, United States House of Representatives hearing on "The Carbon Capture and Storage Early Deployment Act," July 10, 2008.
Boosting the Benefits
Issue Paper: California has the opportunity to combat global warming while simultaneously improving air quality and public health throughout the state. Measures being considered under the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) could save hundreds of lives and prevent thousands of other negative health impacts each year -- saving billions of dollars in healthcare costs. NRDC analysis shows that strategies for reducing global warming pollution -- cleaner cars and trucks, energy efficiency, renewable energy and smart growth -- also reduce air pollution and bring tremendous short- and long-term health "co-benefits."
Testimony of George Peridas on "Spinning Straw Into Black Gold: Enhanced Oil Recovery Using Carbon Dioxide"
Testimony: Written testimony of George Peridas, Ph.D., Science Fellow, Climate Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, submitted to the Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Unites States House of Representatives hearing on "Spinning Straw Into Black Gold: Enhanced Oil Recovery Using Carbon Dioxide," June 12th, 2008.
Testimony of Michael Goo on Legislative Proposals to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Testimony: Testimony of Michael Goo, Climate Legislative Director, Natural Resources Defense Council, before the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality Committee on Energy and Commerce, United States House of Representatives hearing on legislative proposals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, June 19, 2008.
Job Opportunities in a Green Economy
Fact Sheet: Curbing global warming is the work of a generation; specifically, the work of millions of people, performing the jobs needed to build the green economy. Clean energy investments will create opportunities for welders, sheet metal workers, machinists, truck drivers, and others -- and the benefits of those new jobs would spread to a much wider swatch of the economy. The following fact sheets outline potential green job opportunities in a select number of states.
The Cost of Climate Change
Report: New research shows that if present trends continue, the total cost of global warming will be as high as 3.6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Four global warming impacts alone -- hurricane damage, real estate losses, energy costs, and water costs -- will come with a price tag of 1.8 percent of U.S. GDP, or almost $1.9 trillion annually (in today's dollars) by 2100. The longer we wait, the more painful -- and expensive -- the consequences will be.
Testimony of Michael Goo on the EPA's New Ozone Standards
Testimony: Testimony of Michael Goo, Climate Legislative Director, Natural Resources Defense Council, before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, United States House of Representatives hearing on the "EPA's New Ozone Standards," May 20, 2008.
Cutting Global Warming Pollution at Low Costs with the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act
Legislative Analysis: An analysis of the proposed Lieberman-Warner legislation showing that the global warming pollution reduction targets established by the bill can be achieved without a significant increase in the country’s total energy costs.
Preparing for Global Warming
Fact Sheet: We must start now to protect against and prepare for the effects of global warming on our world.
Testimony of Heather Taylor-Miesle Presented to a Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee
Testimony: Testimony of Heather Taylor-Miesle, Deputy Legislative Director, Natural Resources Defense Council, to a subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee regarding funding needs for various environmental agencies to combat global warming, March 13, 2008.
Hotter and Drier
Report: Human activities are already changing the climate of the American West. This report by the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization (RMCO) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), drawn from 50 scientific studies, 125 other government and scientific sources, and our own new analyses, documents that the West is being affected more by a changed climate than any other part of the United States outside of Alaska. When compared to the 20th century average, the West has experienced an increase in average temperature during the last five years that is 70 percent greater than the world as a whole. Responding quickly at all levels of government by embracing the solutions that are available is critical to minimizing further disruption of this region’s climate and economy.
There Is No Such Thing as "Clean Coal"
Fact Sheet: Coal mining has serious impacts on our health and the environment. Clean energy options such as energy efficiency can meet energy demands without the dangerous effects of coal.
Testimony of David Doniger from February 28th Before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Developing Countries Adaptation to Climate Change
Testimony: Summary of testimony of David D. Doniger, Climate Center Policy Director, Natural Resources Defense Council, February 28, 2008.
Testimony of David Doniger on the Oversight of EPA Administrator Johnson's Denial of Waiver for California's Global
Testimony: Testimony of David Doniger, Policy Director, Climate Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, before the Environment and Public Works Committee, United States Senate on January 24, 2008.
The New Energy Economy
Issue Paper: How America and the world respond to global warming and our growing demand for energy -- and whether we respond in time -- will determine what kind of planet we have for generations to come. Fortunately, many of the technologies and policy tools we need to make the shift to cleaner energy solutions already exist, and we can deploy them without harming the economy. NRDC outlines six energy-sector opportunities that can help America reduce global warming pollution. The next step is decisive action by the U.S. government to facilitate these investments and reduce our global warming pollution the necessary 80 percent, or 10.6 billion tons, by 2050.
Testimony of David Hawkins on America's Climate Security Act of 2007
Testimony: Testimony of David Hawkins, Director, Climate Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, before the Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate, Hearing on America's Climate Security Act of 2007, S. 2191, November 13, 2007.
Testimony of Frances Beinecke on America's Climate Security Act
Testimony: Testimony of Frances Beinecke, President, Natural Resources Defense Council, before the Subcommittee on Public and Consumer Solutions to Global Warming and Wildlife Protection, Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate, Hearing on America's Climate Security Act, October 24, 2007.
Sneezing and Wheezing
Issue Paper: Global warming isn't just making our planet hotter. Scientific studies have also shown that our changing climate could mean more ozone pollution in some areas and intensify the health problems stemming from allergenic pollen such as ragweed. This is bad news for allergy sufferers and asthmatics because both ragweed and ozone have been linked to respiratory problems such as asthma and to allergic symptoms in adults and children -- and studies show that people exposed to both ragweed and ozone are likely to become sicker than people exposed to just one of these pollutants. New NRDC research -- the first to map areas within the United States where ragweed and unhealthy ozone pollution overlap -- shows that 110 million Americans live in areas with both ragweed and ozone problems.
Global Warming Heats Up the Insurance Industry
Fact Sheet: A changing climate means instability for the insurance industry.
Back from the Brink
Issue Paper: September 2007 marks the 20th anniversary of the world’s most effective environmental treaty -- the Montreal Protocol. Back from the Brink: How NRDC Helped Save the Ozone Layer describes how a team of NRDC scientists and lawyers played a crucial role in creating this landmark environmental protection.
Global Warming Science: An Annotated Bibliography
Index: In recent years, scientists have added considerably to the large body of evidence that shows that human activity is changing the global climate, raising temperatures and affecting ecosystems around the world.
California Takes on Power Plant Emissions
Fact Sheet: California is ensuring a clean energy future by adopting the world's first greenhouse gas emissions performance standard for power plant investments. Senate Bill SB 368 requires that any new long-term financial investment in "baseload" generation resources -- those workhorse power plants that supply electricity around the clock -- made on behalf of California customers must be in clean energy sources.
Safeguarding Alaska's Arctic Wilderness
Index: Oil and gas drilling, coal mining and invasive development are combining with global warming's effects to wreak havoc on Alaska's vast, remote Arctic landscape. NRDC is working with Alaskan Native communities to protect this wilderness area and the whales, bears and other diverse wildlife that depend on it.
In Hot Water: Water Management Strategies to Weather the Effects of Global Warming
Report: Drought and dry conditions withering the western United States are likely to persist and intensify, jeapordizing the region's water supply and water quality, compromising the health of rivers and lakes, and increasing the risk of flooding for Western communities. As stewards of these scarce resources, water managers can lead the response to the effects of global warming on water in the West. This NRDC report breaks new ground by analyzing the effects of global warming on a full range of water management tools and offering recommendations to meet the challenge. As the hotter, drier weather already afflicting the region becomes more common, officials responsible for keeping the taps flowing will need to take bold measures now, including conservation and efficiency, and supporting measures to control and reduce global warming in the future.
Global Warming Threatens Wildlife
Index: Global warming is pushing wildlife over the brink. From melting sea-ice throughout the Arctic to increases in infectious diseases and loss of food, evidence of the impacts of global warming on wildlife is mounting. This index collects fact sheets on global warming's effects on threatened species.
A Golden Opportunity: California’s Solutions for Global Warming
Report: The landmark California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, also known as AB 32, is the most ambitious global warming solutions law in the nation. The state’s next step: putting in place the specific measures that will bring emissions levels back to 1990 levels by 2020 to meet AB 32’s limit. This June 2007 report describes how California is protecting the state from global warming pollution while growing its economy and encouraging the innovative clean technology industry.
Testimony on Boucher Discussion Draft
Testimony: Statement of Daniel A. Lashof, NRDC's Climate Center Science Director, before the Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives on May 24, 2007.
Testimony on Coal Gasification
Testimony: Testimony of Antonia Herzog, Staff Scientist, Climate Center, before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate on May 24, 2007.
Threathened Species, Global Warming and How CITES can Help
Fact Sheet: Global warming is pushing wildlife over the brink; CITES should take action to protect the world's species.
Testimony on the Implications of the Supreme Court's Decision Regarding EPA's Authorities with Respect to Greenhouse Gases Under the Clean Air Act
Testimony: Testimony of David Doniger, NRDC's Policy Director and Senior Attorney, before the Committee on Environment and Public Works on April 24, 2007.
Testimony on S. 731 and S. 962: Carbon Capture and Sequestration
Testimony: Testimony of David G. Hawkins, NRDC's Climate Center Director, before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Unites States Senate on April 16, 2007.
Testimony on S.987, the Biofuels for Energy Security and Transportation Act of 2007
Testimony: Testimony of Daniel A. Lashof, NRDC's Climate Center Science Director, before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resource, United States Senate on April 12, 2007.
Polar Bears on Thin Ice
Fact Sheet: The polar bear's Arctic habitat is rapidly disappearing due to global warming. The international community must take action to protect the polar bear from global warming and other man-made threats.
Testimony on Carbon Capture and Sequestration
Testimony: Testimony of David G. Hawkins, NRDC's Climate Center Director, before the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives on March 6th, 2007.
Testimony on U.S. 10-Year Energy Research and Development Outlook
Testimony: Testimony of David G. Hawkins, NRDC's Climate Center Director, before the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives on February 28th, 2007.
Science Panel's Latest Climate Report Underscores Need for Swift Action
Analysis: Key findings and implications of the Fourth Assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Why Coal Liquids Are Not A Viable Option To Move America Beyond Oil
Fact Sheet: Liquid coal is a polluting process that releases large quantities of global warming pollution into our air. America should instead pursue clean energy options such as efficiency, smart growth, and renewable fuels.
Legislation to Control Global Warming Pollution
Index: The United States must pass strong legislation to cap emissions of heat-trapping pollutants.
Coal in a Changing Climate
Index: This index collects policy documents about the implications of the world's reliance on coal.
Losing Ground: Western National Parks Endangered by Climate Disruption
Report: National parks in the American West face an unprecedented threat from climate change. Rising temperatures, prolonged drought, severe wildfires and diminished snowfall are already affecting these parks; without action to curb climate change, cherished Western landscapes could be drastically altered.
Heat Advisory
Report: Comprehensive analysis by medical experts showing that global warming would cause more summertime smog and higher pollen levels, which in turn might bring more asthma attacks, more hospitalizations, and limitations on time outdoors.
Hearing on Future Options for Generation of Electricity from Coal
Testimony: Presented before the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, by David Hawkins, director of NRDC's climate center, on June 24, 2003.
Feeling the Heat in Florida
Report: Accelerated climate change may seem like a remote concern to most Floridians, but in fact, global warming threatens the beautiful coastal communities and tourist-driven prosperity the state is known for. This October 2001 NRDC report finds that global warming in Florida will lead to coastal floods, saltwater contamination of underground drinking water supplies, more frequent wildfires, declining crop yields, and severe deterioration of the state's unique Everglades and coral-reef ecosystems. While the worst effects won't come for several decades, the report makes it clear that state officials should begin preparing now and reduce the pollution that causes global warming.
Climate Change Technology and Policy Options
Testimony: Presented before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation by David Hawkins, director of NRDC's climate center, July 10, 2001.
Comments on CARB's Regulations to Control Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Motor Vehicles
Comments: Official comments from NRDC's global warming and clean-cars experts on the draft regulations for implementation of AB 1493, California's landmark law requiring automakers to reduce heat-trapping exhaust from new vehicles by about 30 percent over the next decade.