Impact of Climate Change in the USA: An overview of Federal and State Policies

Impact of Climate Change in the USA: An overview of Federal and State Policies

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  Impact of ClimateChange in the USA: An overview of Federal and State Policies Molly Aitchison Tirman - Oscar Aitchison Tirman Mill Heights Academy - Benjamin Franklin International School
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  The Current Stateof the American Climate Climate Change has been a growing concern for many people around the world, especially those in America, as impacts of climate change are being felt around the country. As of right now, America is being faced with a progression of events such as the following: - Rises in temperatures - Heatwaves - Drought - Rise In Sea Level - Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornados, floods, and in lesser cases, excessive rainfall
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  Most Severe ClimateDisasters in the USA from 2023 https://weather.com/news/news/2023-05-08-billion-dollar-disasters-january-april-2023-noaa
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  Federal Solutions andPolicy Implementation The Infrastructure Act is a law passed in the US aimed at addressing climate change. ● Includes a $550 billion investment in transportation, broadband, and water infrastructure ● Main focus on sustainable and resilient solutions ● Advancing and advocating environmental justice ● Promoting more sustainable methods of transportation, and reduce greenhouse emissions ● Promote + create new green jobs within the economy ● Introduce new clean energy technology https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/06/fact-sheet-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal/
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  Federal Solutions andPolicy Implementation https://www.army.mil/e2/downloads/rv7/about/2022_army_climate_strategy.pdf United States Army: Climate Strategy. A policy implementation to reduce the carbon footprint made by the United States military. ● The United States military accounts for 52% of the US's carbon footprint. ● Achieve 50% reduction in Army net GHG pollution by 2030, compared to 2005 levels ● Attain net-zero Army GHG emissions by 2050 ● Proactively consider the security implications of climate change in strategy, planning, acquisition, supply chain, and programming documents and processes ● The Army has established partnerships with other federal agencies, local communities, and private sector organizations to address the shared challenges of climate change. ● The Army's climate strategy recognizes that climate change poses significant risks to national security and that proactive measures are necessary to ensure mission readiness and security.
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  State Level Policies TheClean Fuels Program was passed by Washington State to reduce the amount of transportation emissions ● Program encourages the use of cleaner fuels, biofuel use in vehicles, and production and distribution of the fuels ● Sets a target to lower carbon intensity of transportation fuels over time ● Although voluntary, the program gives credits to fuel supplies who partake ● This program is currently under multiple jurisdictions, including Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and California https://ecology.wa.gov/Air-Climate/Reducing-Greenhouse-Gas- Emissions/Clean-Fuel-Standard
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  State Level Policies TheClimate Commitment Act is a Washington state law that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions ● The goal of this act is to reduce emissions over time ● It establishes a Cap-and-Trade program, limiting the amount of emissions businesses can release ● Includes provisions to ensure that low income and marginalized communities are not disproportionately impacted ● This act involves a bunch of smaller programs including, The Clean Fuels Program
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  A Students Perspective& Suggestion For Change ● Increase funding for renewable energy research. ● Implement carbon taxes. ● Encourage sustainable transportation. ● Encourage local governments to support pedestrian and cyclist centered infrastructure, rather than car centric.
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  A Students Perspective& Suggestion For Change ● Forest Restoration/Conservation ● Pursuing for international cooperation in tackling climate change ● Raising public awareness, and education on climate change ● Promoting sustainable agriculture
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  Recap ● Climate changeimpacts: Extreme weather, economic consequences, and social challenges. ● Government action: Infrastructure Act and Climate Commitment Act driving sustainable investments and emission reductions. ● U.S. Army's strategy: Emission reductions, resilience, and mission readiness. ● Mitigation strategies: Renewable energy, carbon taxes, sustainable transportation, and local initiatives
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  Conclusion ● Climate changeis a pressing challenge requiring comprehensive action. ● Government policies, such as the Infrastructure Act and Clean Fuels Program, are making strides. ● Mitigation strategies encompass renewable energy, sustainable transportation, agriculture, and international cooperation. ● Local initiatives, like the BFIS Going Green Club, contribute to the transition towards a sustainable future.
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  VII. Further reading ●Websites that could be useful - USA based eg. ● https://www.whitehouse.gov/climate/ ● https://www.epa.gov/climatechange-science/impacts-climate- change#:~:text=Increases%20in%20the%20frequency%20and,reduce%20the%20affordability%20of%20insurance. VIII. References ● List of sources consulted for the presentation, including academic articles, government reports, and news articles