UN Scientists Map Global Misery, Urgent Climate Action Needed

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Climate change is causing grievous harm and growing costs to nature and people around the world, according to scientists in the latest United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. They also warned that there are limits in the ability of people and nature to adapt and that those most affected are vulnerable communities with the least resources to cope with the impacts of climate change.

Following is a statement from Manish Bapna, president and CEO of NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

“This is a high-definition map of global misery. Millions of people are facing acute food and water insecurity. Economies are constrained. Disease and death are rising. And those suffering most are low-income populations – as many as 3.6 billion people - on the jagged frontlines of climate hazard and harm. 

“It’s time for urgent action. President Biden has called for $550 billion in clean energy and environmental justice investments, over the next ten years, to speed the shift away from the fossil fuels driving climate change and toward cleaner, smarter ways to power our future. He’s pledged to make sure at least 40 percent of clean energy investments benefit disadvantaged communities. Now Biden must lead and deliver. Our imperiled planet cannot wait.”

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.