Policy Solutions

All Policy Documents Tagged global warming

India’s Green Path to Growth
Addressing Climate Change and Building a Low-Carbon Economy

Fact Sheet

As the fourth-largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world, India's contributions to global warming are already significant. And with the second-fastest growing economy and a middle class projected to grow from 50 million to 500 million in the next few decades, those emissions could skyrocket. Given India's geography and climate it is especially vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. With a vast coastland that will be hit hard by a rise in sea level and seasonal weather patterns that could be severely affected, the potential for flooding and drought could create millions of eco-refugees. Striking the balance between meeting the aspirations of its poor majority and reducing global warming pollution is a significant challenge. Fortunately, India has chosen a green path to growth that treats the transition to a low-carbon economy as its biggest economic opportunity of the 21st century. Get document in pdf.

Rising Tide of Illness: How Global Warming Could Increase the Threat of Waterborne Diseases

Fact Sheet

Although there is little public discussion of the problem, disease outbreaks caused by contaminated water occur regularly. Researchers estimate that, including unreported cases, between 4 and 33 million waterborne gastrointestinal illnesses occur each year in the United States. Global warming is projected to increase the risk of more frequent and more widespread outbreaks of waterborne illnesses, due to higher temperatures and more severe weather events. To help prevent increased occurrence of water-related illnesses, the CDC should improve surveillance of waterborne disease outbreaks, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should improve water quality regulations, and Congress should act to limit emissions of global warming pollutants. We need to act now to protect public health today while preparing for the impacts of climate change.
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Moving Cooler
Securing America's Energy Future

Fact Sheet

America currently uses nearly 20 million barrels of oil per day--enough to fill more than six of the world’s largest supertankers. More than two-thirds of this oil is used to fuel our cars and trucks, which drive enough miles each day to circle the globe more than 331,000 times. Meeting this demand for oil makes America less secure. We rely on imports for more than 60 percent of our overall oil consumption, leaving us dangerously dependent on other nations. Meanwhile, our oil-fueled transportation system accounts for nearly a third of our total global warming pollution. Technology advancements such as hybrid vehicles and better batteries can decrease our oil use and transportation emissions, but groundbreaking new research sponsored by NRDC and leading transportation experts shows that we must deploy additional strategies to overcome this challenge. Get document in pdf.

Ocean Acidification Fact Sheet
The Other CO2 Problem

Fact Sheet

Ocean acidification is the quiet tsunami of environmental degradation. Within a few decades, ocean acidification may devastate some marine ecosystems and threaten the productivity of our fisheries. When we burn oil, coal, or gas, scientists have recently shown, we are transforming the fundamental chemistry of the oceans, rapidly making the water more acidic. Get document in pdf.

From Crisis to Opportunity
How China is addressing climate change and positioning itself to be a leader in clean energy

Fact Sheet

China and the United States are the world’s largest emitters of global warming pollution. As both nations face ever-growing energy service needs and an increasing dependence on foreign oil, their joint leadership is crucial to addressing global climate change and moving the world to a clean energy economy. With global warming already taking a toll on China’s agricultural production, water supplies, and coastal cities, a major shift in energy patterns is urgently needed. The country is already moving to take advantage of its manufacturing prowess to retool itself as a leader in the clean energy technologies of the future: wind and solar; advanced coal technology; electric vehicles, advanced batteries, and high-speed rail; smart grid technology; and more energy-efficient lighting and appliances. Get document in pdf.

Communities Tackle Global Warming
A Guide to California’s Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act (SB 375)

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.

Eat Green
Our everyday food choices affect global warming and the environment

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. Get document in pdf.

Testimony re the "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009"
Presented by David Doniger before the U.S. House of Representatives, April 24, 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. Get document in pdf.

Testimony of David G. Hawkins re the "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009"
Presented before the U.S. House of Representatives, April 23, 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. Get document in pdf.

Testimony of NRDC president Frances Beinecke re the “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009”
Presented before the U.S. House of Representatives, April 22, 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. ... Get document in pdf.

Florida Coastal and Ocean Policy Report Card

Issue Paper

The Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition is a group of organizations, including NRDC, working together to conserve, protect, and restore Florida's coastal and marine environment. The Florida Coastal and Ocean Policy Report Card provides a detailed analysis and evaluation of the legislative and government actions taken in Florida during 2007 and 2008 toward the goals of curbing unwise coastal development, protecting coastal and marine habitats, implementing and enforcing coastal and ocean pollution laws, protecting marine ecosystems, ensuring robust and plentiful fisheries and marine species, reducing global warming pollution and strengthening coastal and ocean governance in Florida.

Repowering America: Building a Bridge from Crisis to a New Energy Economy

Fact Sheet

The global financial crisis presents challenges for the U.S. economy unlike any seen in generations. While spending alone will not deliver us from this difficult period of slowing economic activity, smart and targeted investment in repowering America can. We can create millions of jobs, improve our energy security, and reduce the harmful effects of climate change by putting a price on carbon emissions and investing in the industries that will form the base of our clean energy future. Get document in pdf.

Miles to California, How Far Has Your Food Traveled?

Index

People are rediscovering the benefits of buying local food. How your food is grown, stored, transported, processed and cooked can all influence how it affects climate and the environment. Transportation-related impacts are particularly important for imported foods. NRDC calculated the transportation impacts of importing fresh produce and wine widely consumed in California, directly comparing the climate and air quality emissions from importing these foods instead of growing and consuming them in California. Our analysis shows that -- all else being equal -- locally grown foods are a better choice.

Global Warming Heats Up the Insurance Industry

Fact Sheet

A changing climate means instability for the insurance industry. Get document in pdf.

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.

Costa Rica: Setting the Pace for Reducing Global Warming Pollution and Phasing Out Oil

Fact Sheet

Already a world leader in renewable energy use and tropical forest conservation, Costa Rica has declared the goal of becoming the world’s first carbon neutral country. To achieve this goal, Costa Rica must reduce its dependence on oil and increase investment in domestic renewable energy production and demand reduction strategies. Get document in pdf.

The Beaufort and Chukchi Seas
Protecting America’s Arctic

Fact Sheet

Aggressive government interest in leasing areas to the oil and gas industries in the zone referred to as the “Arctic Ring of Life”—home to millions of migratory birds, polar bears, beluga whales, endangered bowhead whales, and thousands-year-old Inupiat (Eskimo) culture—threatens the sustainability of this ecosystem and the livelihood of Alaska Native communities. Get document in pdf.

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. Get document in pdf.

Global Warming’s Effects on Florida’s Oceans and Coasts Demand Immediate Action

Fact Sheet

NRDC and our partners are fighting to revive and protect Florida's thriving coastal and ocean economy by promoting measures that will reduce global warming pollution and protect coastal habitats and restore robust fisheries. Get document in pdf.

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. Get document in pdf.

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.

Strip Mining for Oil in Endangered Forests

Fact Sheet

Big oil interests are scraping away hundreds of thousands of acres in North America’s Boreal forest to produce tar sands oil, and in the process consuming large amounts of natural gas and generating three times as much global warming pollution as conventional crude oil production. Greater efficiency and renewable fuels are far better, cleaner ways to meet our energy needs. Get document in pdf.

Is Landfill Gas Green Energy?

Issue Paper

This May 2003 NRDC paper looks at the health impacts from burning landfill gas, the sustainability of landfill gas, and the ability of the subsidies to promote landfilling over recycling.

Slower, Costlier and Dirtier
A Critique of the Bush Energy Plan

Report

This May 2001 NRDC report is an extensive analysis of the Bush administration energy plan that was released on May 17. NRDC's energy experts found it heavily biased in favor of the most polluting fossil fuels -- coal and oil -- at the expense of the environment and public health. Furthermore, the plan would have no impact on energy prices, and no practical effect on U.S. dependence on foreign sources of oil. The fact is that the United States can meet its energy needs without undermining environmental safeguards or ruining the last remaining pristine wilderness areas in the country.