Climate Change -

On January 29, 2010 President Obama today announced that the Federal Government will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28 percent by 2020.  While the base year was not specified in the press release (below) it is elsewhere defined as 2008, rather than the 2005 previously used by the U.S. Government or the base year of 1990 used by most other nations.  As the nations largest purchaser of energy, this action has the potential to provide a significant stimulus for energy efficiency and innovation in the development of clean energy sources.  This action follows the January 28th  announcement of non-binding pledge  to reduce  national emissions of greenhouse gases by 17% reduction by 2020.  This latter announcement was made in response to the Copenhagen Accord, has a base year of 2005, and is contingent upon action by the U.S. Congress.

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The United States Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) released a major, new report on June 15, 2008 detailing the science and impacts of climate change on the United States. The USGCRP was established by the Global Change Research Act of 1990 and includes participants from 13 Federal agencies and departments plus support from major universities and organizations. The new report describes current and future impacts of climate change upon the nation, its economy and society. continue reading…

While the United States makes up only about 5% of the worlds population it is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases.  While the U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases per capita are greater than for any other nation, a recent study showed that  Americans  are divided about the reality of global climate change with only 51% of the population believing that climate change is real and is a serious problem. continue reading…