About Climate Change
“Global warming is the single greatest threat to civilization.”
—
James Hansen, leading climatologist
Leading scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (a panel of the world’s leading climatologists appointed by the United Nations) have reached a scientific consensus:
- Climate change is real; it is not a political issue, but a scientific and environmental one.
- The Earth’s temperature is rising faster than anyone expected; 30 years ahead of all predictions.
- Human activities are perhaps the most significant contributor to climate change.
- All nations must reduce their “carbon footprint” immediately to slow this process or the consequences will be dire.
Climate change is not some threat in the distant future, it is happening now. And the actions we take, or do not take, today will determine the planet’s future.
Consider these frightening predictions:
- The Arctic ice cap and Antarctic ice sheets are melting much faster than expected, at rates 30 years ahead of predictions made by the IPCC.
- A one-meter increase in sea level would create 100 million eco-refugees worldwide. A six-meter increase would displace at least 450 million people.
- In the U.S., drought alone will cause $200 billion in damages per year by 2020, resulting in increased food prices.
- By 2100, the annual damage in the U.S. caused by increased storm intensity will be over $400 billion per year.
NYPIRG’s 350 Campaign is a vehicle for citizens to learn about and take action to slow climate change. The New York Campaign is part of a national coalition that is working to demand federal climate change solutions and we need your help. Please follow this link to find out how you can help by adding your name to a growing list of organizations and individuals who have pledged to fight against climate change.