On November 23, 2018, the U.S. Global Change Research Program released the Fourth National Climate Assessment. The National Climate Assessment is a congressionally-mandated report released at least every four years on what the past, present, and future of climate change means for the United States. The report is produced by 13 federal agencies comprising the U.S. Global Change Research Program, a presidential initiative started by President Ronald Reagan and mandated by Congress in the Global Change Research Act of 1990.
Climate Nexus summarized the top findings of the report:
- Human activity, like burning fossil fuels, is the primary cause for the warming temperatures we are undoubtedly experiencing.
- By the end of this century, fighting climate change will save hundreds of billions of dollars just in public health costs, and save thousands of lives a year.
- Americans are already paying for climate change as it makes storms more damaging, heat waves more deadly, wildfires more common, allergies worse and some diseases more widespread.
- The U.S. military, as well as many farmers, businesses, and local communities are already planning for and adapting to climate change.
- Climate change is a clear and present danger to the health and wealth of the American people.