Human-Caused Climate Change is Occurring, Leading Scientific Groups Remind US Congress

Human-caused climate change is real, some of the leading scientific groups in the United States remind lawmakers.  

In a letter dated June 28, 31 major scientific organizations make it clear to the members of the U.S. Congress that climate change is happening, and this is primarily caused by the greenhouse gases that are emitted by human activities. 

"There is strong evidence that ongoing climate change is having broad negative impacts on society, including the global economy, natural resources, and human health," the letter reads. "For the United States, climate change impacts include greater threats of extreme weather events, sea level rise, and increased risk of regional water scarcity, heat waves, wildfires, and the disturbance of biological systems. The severity of climate change impacts is increasing and is expected to increase substantially in the coming decades."  

According to a research conducted by the Center for American Progress Action Fund and published in March, 144 members of the House of Representatives and 38 members of the Senate deny that climate change is occurring and that it is primarily caused by humans. The report says that these 182 lawmakers equate to more than 200 million or 63 percent of Americans being represented in Congress by someone who denies climate change.  

The signatories of the letter, headed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), suggest that greenhouse gas emissions be "substantially reduced" in order to lower down the risks of climate change impacts.  

"Climate change is real and happening now, and the United States urgently needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Rush Holt, leader of AAAS and a former member of Congress, as quoted by The Washington Post. "We must not delay, ignore the evidence, or be fearful of the challenge."  

The groups also said there are unavoidable consequences to things like availability of water, food, health, and national security; therefore, there is a need to adapt.  

"We, in the scientific community, are prepared to work with you on the scientific issues important to your deliberations as you seek to address the challenges of our changing climate," the letter concludes.