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Scientists advocate for the U.S. to provide $1 billion for REDD+ to protect tropical forests, citing their role in carbon storage and biodiversity.

The document clarifies that in science, uncertainty refers to the degree to which something is known rather than a complete lack of knowledge. It explains that climate scientists use specific probabilistic language—such as 'very likely' to denote a greater than 90 percent chance—to inform public policy and decision-making. While certain facts are established without uncertainty, such as the role of fossil fuels and the greenhouse effect in warming the Earth, uncertainties remain regarding the exact magnitude of future warming and the timing of specific ecological losses, often depending on future human actions to reduce emissions.

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) argues that augmenting the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) with a higher renewable electricity standard (RES) of 25% by 2025 and a 10% energy efficiency resource standard (EERS) by 2020 would reduce consumer energy costs, lower carbon allowance prices, and diversify the U.S. electric power mix. Using the National Energy Modeling System, the analysis finds that this 'RES/EERS Case' would save consumers $113 billion in electricity and natural gas expenditures through 2030 compared to the ACES Basic Case, while avoiding the need for nearly 50 new nuclear power reactors. The report concludes that these complementary policies, combined with a national carbon cap, accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy without significantly impacting GDP.

The report assesses whether genetic engineering can reduce nitrogen fertilizer pollution by improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in crops. It finds that while some GE genes show promise in controlled environments, no GE NUE crops have been commercialized, and they may cause unpredictable side effects. In contrast, traditional breeding has a proven track record of improving NUE, and ecosystem-based methods like cover crops and precision farming offer complementary ways to reduce nitrogen loss. The authors argue that a multi-pronged approach, supported by increased public investment in non-GE methods, is necessary to feed a growing population while mitigating environmental damage.

The report assesses whether genetic engineering (GE) can reduce the environmental impact of reactive nitrogen in agriculture. It finds that while GE research is ongoing, no NUE-improved GE crops have been commercialized, and their prospects remain uncertain due to complex gene interactions and potential regulatory hurdles. In contrast, traditional breeding and system-based approaches like cover crops and precision farming have already demonstrated significant improvements in NUE and nitrogen loss reduction. The authors argue that a diversified approach, supported by increased public investment in non-GE methods, is essential to mitigate global nitrogen pollution.

The report finds that GE crops increased overall pesticide use by 318.4 million pounds between 1996 and 2008. While Bt crops reduced insecticide use by 64.2 million pounds, herbicide-tolerant (HT) crops increased herbicide use by 382.6 million pounds, primarily driven by HT soybeans. The author attributes this trend to the emergence of glyphosate-resistant weeds and the industry's shift toward 'stacked' traits, which the report argues will further increase pesticide volumes and environmental risks.

The document argues that integrated organic farming systems, which combine crop rotation with low chemical inputs, are more effective at sequestering soil carbon than conventional chemical-intensive systems. It specifically challenges the long-held belief that no-till practices are superior for carbon sequestration, citing recent research indicating that no-till may only increase carbon at shallow depths while plowed soils often sequester more carbon at greater depths.

The document outlines how climate action benefits U.S. national security through three primary channels: reducing reliance on foreign oil, transitioning to a distributed energy system to lower infrastructure vulnerability, and preventing climate-driven global instability. It specifically highlights that reducing petroleum consumption by 6 million barrels per day by 2030 could match current OPEC imports, and warns that climate change acts as a "threat multiplier" that could increase the burden on the U.S. military through humanitarian missions and threats to strategic bases like Diego Garcia.

The document advocates for a transition to a clean energy economy in the United States, specifically promoting the 'Climate 2030: A National Blueprint for a Clean Energy Economy'. It argues that such a transition would generate $255 billion in net annual savings by 2030, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign oil. The text compares these goals with the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), noting that while ACES has minimal negative economic impact, the more comprehensive Blueprint policies offer greater benefits in terms of emissions cuts and cost savings.

The Union of Concerned Scientists outlines ten reasons to reduce tropical deforestation, noting that it accounts for approximately 10 percent of global warming pollution. The document asserts that reducing these emissions is more cost-effective than reducing industrial fossil fuel emissions and can be achieved with a global investment of $20 billion per year to cut emissions in half by 2020. It highlights the role of tropical forests in carbon sequestration and biodiversity protection, while citing progress in Brazil and Indonesia as evidence that solutions are viable.

The document outlines strategies to maximize vehicle fuel economy, categorizing them into vehicle maintenance, driving behavior, and systemic transportation changes. It highlights that proper maintenance, such as using low rolling resistance tires and reducing vehicle weight, can improve mileage. Driving habits, specifically reducing highway speeds and avoiding idling, are identified as key ways to cut fuel use. Finally, it advocates for a transition toward fuel-efficient vehicles, mass transit, and policies that reduce dependence on oil.

The document defines carbon pricing as a market-based strategy to internalize the costs of climate impacts, driving a shift toward a clean energy economy. It details two primary mechanisms: cap-and-trade, which limits total emissions through tradable allowances, and carbon taxes, which set a fixed fee per ton of carbon. The text emphasizes that while both can effectively reduce emissions, they require complementary policies and careful design to address equity concerns, such as the regressive impact on low-income households and the economic transition for fossil-fuel-dependent communities. It highlights existing examples like the EU-ETS and RGGI, and suggests that revenues from these programs can be used for rebates, clean energy investment, or deficit reduction.

The document outlines how scientists use climate models, atmospheric records, and carbon isotope signatures to prove that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of global warming since the mid-20th century. It highlights the consensus among the scientific community and major bodies like the IPCC, while noting that attribution science can now link specific extreme weather events to climate change.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) successfully influenced the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to withdraw a 2006 proposal to list Graham's penstemon, a rare wildflower found in Utah and Colorado, as a threatened species. Internal documents reveal the BLM formed a "strike team" specifically to prevent this listing to facilitate oil and gas and oil shale development. The BLM provided misleading data regarding the plant's habitat slopes and falsely claimed no overlap between the species' habitat and potential oil shale development zones. Despite these assurances, a 2008 Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) opened over 90 percent of the proposed critical habitat for commercial oil shale leasing. Conservation groups subsequently sued the FWS in 2008, alleging the agency ignored scientific evidence and relied on unproven BLM conservation measures.

The report projects that Illinois will face significantly hotter summers, increased flash flooding, and severe threats to agriculture if heat-trapping emissions continue to rise. Under a higher-emissions scenario, Chicago could see more than 70 days above 90°F per summer by the end of the century, and corn yields could decline by as much as 50% by mid-century. The document advocates for a transition to clean energy, including renewable electricity standards and a moratorium on new coal plants, alongside federal cap-and-trade legislation to mitigate these risks.

The report projects that Iowa will face significantly hotter summers, increased flooding in winter and spring, and new threats to agriculture due to climate change. Under a higher-emissions scenario, Des Moines could see over 85 days per summer above 90°F and frequent heat waves similar to the 1995 Chicago disaster. Agriculture is threatened by heat stress for corn and livestock, as well as the northward expansion of pests like the corn earworm. The document argues that Iowa can mitigate these risks by strengthening its renewable electricity standard, promoting energy efficiency, and banning coal plants without carbon capture and storage, supported by federal cap-and-trade and fuel economy standards.

The report projects that Michigan will face significantly hotter summers, increased flooding, and agricultural disruptions by the end of the century, particularly under a higher-emissions scenario. It highlights risks to public health from extreme heat and ozone pollution, as well as threats to the state's dairy and corn industries. To mitigate these effects, the document advocates for strengthening renewable energy standards, updating building codes, and implementing federal cap-and-trade and fuel economy policies.

The report projects that Minnesota will face significantly hotter summers, increased flooding, and agricultural threats if current emissions trends continue. Under a high-emissions scenario, the state could see a 12°F increase in average summer temperatures by the end of the century, with Minneapolis-St. Paul experiencing nearly 70 days over 90°F per summer. These changes are expected to increase heat-related mortality, worsen air quality through higher ozone and particulate levels, and disrupt farming via heat stress and pest expansion. The document advocates for a transition to renewable energy, increased energy efficiency, and a federal cap-and-trade program to mitigate these risks.

The report projects that Missouri will face significantly hotter summers, increased flooding, and agricultural disruptions if heat-trapping emissions continue to rise. It highlights severe risks for St. Louis, including extreme heat waves and deteriorating air quality, and suggests a combination of state-level energy efficiency and federal climate legislation to mitigate these effects.

The report projects that Ohio will face significantly hotter summers, increased flooding, and agricultural disruptions if current emissions trends continue. It highlights severe risks to public health from heat waves and ozone pollution, and warns of crop and livestock stress. The document advocates for a transition to clean energy through stronger renewable electricity standards, updated building codes, and federal cap-and-trade legislation.