Warming Climate Shrinks Economy

It may not be news for many, but the US government has finally stated;

“Climate change creates new risks and exacerbates existing vulnerabilities in communities across the United States, presenting growing challenges to human health and safety, quality of life, and the rate of economic growth.” – National Climate Assessment

For a government, that’s fairly clear and direct wording. Other media are making it clearer.

“If carbon pollution continues to rise, a huge swath of the Atlantic coast—from North Carolina to Maine—will see sea-level rise of five feet by 2100. New Orleans, Houston, and the Gulf Coast could also face five feet of rising seas. Even Los Angeles and San Francisco could see the Pacific Ocean rise by three feet.” – The Atlantic

and

“climate change could cost the economy hundreds of billions of dollars leading to a loss of more than 10 percent of GDP by the end of the century” – Slate

The warnings began before the first Earth Day in 1970. Even oil companies knew about the issue. Then, the concerns were new and somewhat notional. Decades of research have now quantified and clarified the threat. The response has been slow, and contentious. This new report may not make a difference, but it does represent a milestone in awareness. It may come too late to protect some lives, economies, and societies; but at least it is an indication that fewer oppose the necessary progress because there are more solid facts and data to inspire mitigation efforts.

“National Climate Assessment” – US Global Change Research Program