Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
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While no single step can reverse the effects of climate change, we have a
moral obligation to future generations to leave them a planet that is not
polluted and damaged. Through steady, responsible action to cut carbon
pollution, we can protect our children's health and begin to slow the effects of
climate change so that we leave behind a cleaner, more stable environment.
In 2009, President Obama made a pledge that by 2020, America would
reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in the range of 17 percent below 2005
levels if all other major economies agreed to limit their emissions as well.
Today, the President remains firmly committed to that goal and to building on
the progress of his first term to help put us and the world on a sustainable
long-term trajectory. Thanks in part to the Administration's success in
doubling America's use of wind, solar, and geothermal energy and in
establishing the toughest fuel economy standards in our history, we are
creating new jobs, building new industries, and reducing dangerous carbon
pollution which contributes to climate change. In fact, last year, carbon
emissions from the energy sector fell to the lowest level in two decades. At the
same time, while there is more work to do, we are more energy secure than at
any time in recent history. In 2012, America's net oil imports fell to the lowest
level in 20 years and we have become the world's leading producer of natural
gas - the cleanest-burning fossil fuel.
While this progress is encouraging, climate change is no longer a distant
threat - we are already feeling its impacts across the country and the world.
Last year was the warmest year ever in the contiguous United States and about
one-third of all Americans experienced 10 days or more of 100-degree heat.
The 12 hottest years on record have all come in the last 15 years. Asthma rates
have doubled in the past 30 years and our children will suffer more asthma
attacks as air pollution gets worse. And increasing floods, heat waves, and
droughts have put farmers out of business, which is already raising food prices
dramatically.
These changes come with far-reaching consequences and real economic
costs. Last year alone, there were 11 different weather and climate disaster
events with estimated losses exceeding $1 billion each across the United States.
Taken together, these 11 events resulted in over $110 billion in estimated
damages, which would make it the second-costliest year on record.
In short, America stands at a critical juncture. Today, President Obama is
putting forward a broad-based plan to cut the carbon pollution that causes
climate change and affects public health. Cutting carbon pollution will help
