Naturally Donald Trump, who has declared global warming “a hoax,” would appoint someone in line with his benighted views to head the EPA. That would be Scott Pruitt, who as Oklahoma AG has served the interests of the fossil fuel industry and has made light of environmental threats, even including the spate of fracking-induced earthquakes that are ravaging his home state. As a New York Times editorial succinctly states: “An Enemy of the E.P.A. to Head It.”
Fortunately, lots of people in our state and county will keep doing what is necessary for the environment and human health (both are compromised by increasing temperatures). Here is PennFuture‘s take on the subject, which furnishes good facts in the case that you might need to dialogue with any climate change deniers over the holidays (you can also sign PennFuture’s anti-Pruitt petition here):
CLIMATE CHANGE IS HAPPENING IN PENNSYLVANIA
We must act now to avoid serious consequences.
Global climate change is the most serious environmental challenge facing Pennsylvania and yet we remain the third highest carbon emitting state in the union. The science is clear; rising temperatures must be limited to less than 1.5°C to give society a fighting chance to avert the most dangerous impacts.
While other states move from fossil fuels to clean energy, Pennsylvania is making enormous public investments in natural gas drilling and infrastructure that will cement our future as a dirty energy state.
Avoiding the Climate Tipping Point
If emissions aren’t reduced quickly, we may be too late. Scientists refer to natural “tipping points” that represent a stage at which mitigating climate change becomes difficult, if not impossible.
Choosing Politics Over Science
The science is clear, but some politicians want to foster uncertainty to fuel their own agenda. PennFuture is working to build public awareness and educate lawmakers that climate change is happening now and combatting it must be a policy priority.
Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Pennsylvania will be dealing with significant climate impacts, including:
Temperature Rise – Average temperatures will increase by at least 3°C, meaning Philadelphia’s climate will feel more like that of Richmond, Virginia, and Pittsburgh’s climate more like Washington, D.C.
Severe Weather – Higher numbers of extreme storms, such as hurricanes, snow storms, and flooding will impact communities across the commonwealth. Precipitation is predicted to increase by 14 percent, resulting in more flash flooding and soil erosion.
Increased Drought – Longer and harsher droughts and heat waves will put the most vulnerable populations at risk.
Wildlife Disruption – To survive, wildlife will shift northward and to higher elevations, reducing the amount of suitable habitat.
Sea Level Rise – Sea level rise could flood entire neighborhoods in southeast Pennsylvania.
Disease – We will see higher rates of insect-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease, and more agricultural pests and invasive species.
Also download “Pennsylvania DEP’s 2015 Climate Impacts Assessment” at the end of the post at Pennfuture