The document discusses global climate change and initiatives by the U.S. government and other organizations to address it. It notes that in 2001 the U.S. President committed to developing a science-based climate change policy and funding research on technologies to meet the climate challenge. The President also created the Climate Change Research Initiative to study uncertainties and identify investments that could make a difference. Additional sections discuss definitions of climate change, its causes, the role of states and citizens in meeting reduction goals, and calls to action to address it through both domestic and international policies.

1. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
Making A Difference
Created by: Professor Montrellle Caldwell
1Date: 2/18/2008

2. World News Flash
Global Climate Change
On June 11, 2001, the President announced a new
commitment to developing a science-based climate
change policy, and a new commitment to funding
research on "breakthrough technologies" that will
help meet the long-run climate change challenge.
To study areas of scientific uncertainty and identify priority
areas where investments can make a difference, the
President created the Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI).
Note: The CCRI promotes a vision focused on the effective use of
scientific knowledge in policy and management decisions,
and continued evaluation of management strategies and
choices.
Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov

3. White House Initiatives
Global Climate Change
Reduce the Greenhouse Gas Intensity of the U.S. Economy by 18
Percent in the Next Ten Years.
Substantially Improve the Emission Reduction Registry.
Protect and Provide Transferable Credits for Emissions Reduction.
Review Progress Toward Goal and Take Additional Action if Necessary
Increase Funding for America's Commitment to Climate Change.
Take Action on the Science and Technology Review
Implement a Comprehensive Range of New and Expanded Domestic
Policies
Promote New and Expanded International Policies to Complement Our
Domestic Program
Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov

4. Defining Global Climate Change
Global Climate Change:
Climate change refers to any significant
change in measures of climate (such as
temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting
for an extended period (decades or longer).
Source: http://www.epa.gov

5. Global Climate Change
Climate change may result
from:
Natural factors, such as changes
in the sun's intensity or slow
changes in the Earth's orbit
around the sun
Natural processes within the
climate system (e.g. ,changes in
ocean circulation)
Human activities that change
the atmosphere's composition
(e.g., through burning fossil
fuels) and the land surface
(e.g., deforestation,
reforestation, urbanization,
desertification)

6. Making A Difference
The League believes that now is the time to act
on global climate change. We can reduce global
warming pollution by using existing technologies
to make power plants and factories more
efficient, make cars go farther on a gallon of
gasoline, and shift to cleaner technologies.
Cities, states and individuals are already
adopting many of these solutions, which also
reduce our dependence on oil, reduce air
pollution, and protect pristine places from oil
drilling and mining. State and local initiatives are
proving that answers exist.
Global Climate Change
Source: http://www.lwv.org

7. Collectively Addressing Issues
Global Atmosphere
Agricultural and
Forestlands
Aquatic Ecosystems
Polar Regions

8. Get Involved
State and local governments play an important role in meeting the national goal of
reducing greenhouse gas intensity by 18 percent by 2012. They are participating
in national voluntary programs and initiatives, analyzing the costs and benefits of
actions and developing and applying innovative programs and strategies that
achieve wide-ranging benefits to businesses, the environment and public health.
EPA supports states and communities in these activities by encouraging voluntary
approaches and providing technical assistance and tools.
State and Local Governments
Tell family and friends that energy efficiency is good for their homes and
good for the environment because it lowers greenhouse gas emissions and
air pollution. Tell 5 people and together we can help our homes help us all.
http://www.epa.gov
Citizens’ Involvement

9. Take Action
To reinforce and expand on
those efforts, the League
urges federal action that
reduces global warming
pollutants on a national and
global scale.
Source: http://www.lwv.org

10. Outreach For A Brighter Tomorrow
Global Climate Change
Questions

11. References
http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/pubs/glossary.htm
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/polarregions.html
http://www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Global_Climate_Cha
nge&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=144&
ContentID=9858
http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2008/02/23/pentagon-climate-
change-report-alarming
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/02/climatechange.html