UN: World Approaching Climate Change ‘Tipping Point’: Should U.S. Take Stronger Action?

• The world is at risk of “runaway” global warming and global leaders need to work harder to rein in climate change, the United Nations (UN) secretary general, António Guterres, said yesterday.

Details

Few countries around the world are even close to meeting the targets they set under the 2015 Paris accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary cause of climate change. A UN assessment found that country targets so far would achieve only one-third of the global target.

Mr. Guterres sought to make the case that a shift away from fossil fuels such as oil and coal would create jobs and bolster economies. Rebutting critics who argue that such a shift would be costly, he called that idea “hogwash.”

The U.S. is slated to exit the Paris agreement, and has been rolling back regulations aimed at preventing climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency announced yesterday that it was narrowing requirements for oil and gas producers and making other changes to a rule cutting emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Feeling the effects

Climate change models predict that slow-moving storms like last year’s devastating Hurricane Harvey will become more common. Indeed, Hurricane Florence – which is currently heading for the east coast – is expected to be another such storm, and could inflict similar damage.

According to the World Economic Forum, climate change is behind the top risks the world currently faces.

What do you think?

Should the U.S. step up regulatory efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change? Why or why not? Hit Take Action to tell your reps what you think, then share your thoughts below.

—Sara E. Murphy

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / RoschetzkyIstockPhoto)