Dire Impacts of Global Warming Avoidable With A Clean Energy Economy

New Scientific Assessment Finds Texas Suffering from Devastating Effects Similar to the Dust Bowl of the 1930s

AUSTIN – Today, 13 government science agencies issued the most definitive scientific assessment to date of the impacts of global warming on the United States and reinforced the urgency of acting now to reduce pollution.  The story the report tells for Texas is one of more drought, more extreme storms, and a coast inundated by rising sea levels if global warming pollution levels are not dramatically and rapidly cut.  According to Environment Texas, the report also tells another story – one of the opportunity to avert disaster by converting to a clean energy economy.

The report states that, “Sizable early cuts in emissions would significantly reduce the pace and the overall amount of climate change.  Earlier cuts in emissions would have a greater effect in reducing climate change than comparable reductions made later.”

“The good news in this report is that the future isn’t written yet,” said Luke Metzger, Director of Environment Texas.  “By repowering America with clean energy, we can not only stop the worst effects of global warming, but we can recharge our economy, creating millions of jobs in the process.”

Clean energy has been a bright spot in our economy in recent years.  According to a survey of green businesses by the Pew Charitable Trusts, job growth in the emerging clean energy economy has been more than twice as fast as in the economy as a whole ? 9.1 percent growth in green businesses compared with 3.8 percent in all businesses combined.  

“The economics of clean energy and the science on global warming make it quite clear that now is the time to unleash the power of clean energy to protect our environment and transform our economy,” said Metzger. 

The report found that global warming has already raised average winter temperatures in Texas and the Great Plains by more than 6 degrees Fahrenheit over the last 30 years.  If global warming pollution continues under the report’s high emissions scenario, scientists expect Texas to experience the following impacts:

•    Average temperatures will increase between  4.5°F and 9°F of average warming by the 2080s
•    Sea level rise in the Gulf Coast is projected to be as high as 2 to 4 feet by 2050 to 2100, increasing the risk of flooding and catastrophic damage to buildings and infrastructure 
•    The risk of major hurricanes is likely to be exacerbated, posing a serious risk to people, personal property and public infrastructure
•    Projected increases in temperature and drought frequency will add more stress to already overtaxed water sources

Burning fossil fuels – coal, oil, and natural gas – is responsible for the vast majority of U.S. global warming emissions.  Next week, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on a bill to put a first-ever federal limit on global warming pollution and set a framework for moving to a clean energy economy. 

”Our choices today will determine the future we and our children face.  The Texas Congressional delegation should stand on the side of a cleaner, smarter energy future and support strengthening and passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act,” said Metzger.