Climate Change
Climate change is the long-term, global shift in weather and seasonal patterns. The United Nations and 195 member nations have determined that the current pattern of climate change is due to greenhouse gases trapped in the atmosphere that are making the planet warmer and drier. “Human activities, principally through emissions of greenhouse gases, have unequivocally caused global warming, with global surface temperature reaching 1.1°C above 1850-1900 in 2011-2020.” (Page 5, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2023 Report.) Experts advise that rapid and deep reductions in fossil fuel use are necessary to avoid the worst effects of global warming.
Current Status
- COP28 declaration on Climate and Health
- What Did COP28 Accomplish and What’s Next? — World Economic Forum
- State of the US Environment – 2024 — USA Facts — 02-18-24
- Bucks County Commissioners Sue Oil Companies over Climate Change — LevittettownNow.com — 03-25-24 Complaint.
Paths Forward
- DVRPC Regional Climate Action Plan
- Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan — PA DEP 2021
- Four Ways Pennsylvania Can Prepare for Climate Change — Philadelphia Inquirer — 12-05-23
- PA DEP Gets $3 Million Climate Action Planning Grant — 01-12-24
- Fossil fuel action necessary to avoid the worst effects of global warming – LWV Clearinghouse summary
- Pennsylvania Environmental Council Roadmap to Deep Decarbonization