Spain - Benjamin Franklin International School

1. Impact of Climate Change in the
USA:
An overview of Federal and State Policies
Molly Aitchison Tirman
-
Oscar Aitchison Tirman
Mill Heights Academy - Benjamin Franklin International School

2. The Current State of the American Climate
Climate Change has been a growing concern for many
people around the world, especially those in America, as
impacts of climate change are being felt around the
country.
As of right now, America is being faced with a
progression of events such as the following:
- Rises in temperatures
- Heatwaves
- Drought
- Rise In Sea Level
- Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornados,
floods, and in lesser cases, excessive rainfall

3. Most Severe Climate Disasters in the USA from 2023
https://weather.com/news/news/2023-05-08-billion-dollar-disasters-january-april-2023-noaa

4. Federal Solutions and Policy Implementation
The Infrastructure Act is a law passed in the US aimed at
addressing climate change.
● Includes a $550 billion investment in transportation,
broadband, and water infrastructure
● Main focus on sustainable and resilient solutions
● Advancing and advocating environmental justice
● Promoting more sustainable methods of transportation, and
reduce greenhouse emissions
● Promote + create new green jobs within the economy
● Introduce new clean energy technology
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/06/fact-sheet-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal/

5. Federal Solutions and Policy Implementation
https://www.army.mil/e2/downloads/rv7/about/2022_army_climate_strategy.pdf
United States Army: Climate Strategy. A policy implementation to
reduce the carbon footprint made by the United States military.
● The United States military accounts for 52% of the US's carbon
footprint.
● Achieve 50% reduction in Army net GHG pollution by 2030,
compared to 2005 levels
● Attain net-zero Army GHG emissions by 2050
● Proactively consider the security implications of climate
change in strategy, planning, acquisition, supply chain, and
programming documents and processes
● The Army has established partnerships with other federal
agencies, local communities, and private sector organizations to
address the shared challenges of climate change.
● The Army's climate strategy recognizes that climate change
poses significant risks to national security and that proactive
measures are necessary to ensure mission readiness and
security.

6. State Level Policies
The Clean Fuels Program was passed by Washington State to
reduce the amount of transportation emissions
● Program encourages the use of cleaner fuels, biofuel use in
vehicles, and production and distribution of the fuels
● Sets a target to lower carbon intensity of transportation
fuels over time
● Although voluntary, the program gives credits to fuel
supplies who partake
● This program is currently under multiple jurisdictions,
including Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and
California
https://ecology.wa.gov/Air-Climate/Reducing-Greenhouse-Gas-
Emissions/Clean-Fuel-Standard

7. State Level Policies
The Climate Commitment Act is a Washington state law that
aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
● The goal of this act is to reduce emissions over time
● It establishes a Cap-and-Trade program, limiting the amount
of emissions businesses can release
● Includes provisions to ensure that low income and
marginalized communities are not disproportionately
impacted
● This act involves a bunch of smaller programs including,
The Clean Fuels Program

8. A Students Perspective & Suggestion For Change
● Increase funding for renewable energy research.
● Implement carbon taxes.
● Encourage sustainable transportation.
● Encourage local governments to support pedestrian
and cyclist centered infrastructure, rather than car
centric.

9. A Students Perspective & Suggestion For Change
● Forest Restoration/Conservation
● Pursuing for international cooperation in tackling climate
change
● Raising public awareness, and education on climate
change
● Promoting sustainable agriculture

10. Recap
● Climate change impacts: Extreme weather, economic
consequences, and social challenges.
● Government action: Infrastructure Act and Climate
Commitment Act driving sustainable investments and
emission reductions.
● U.S. Army's strategy: Emission reductions, resilience, and
mission readiness.
● Mitigation strategies: Renewable energy, carbon taxes,
sustainable transportation, and local initiatives

11. Conclusion
● Climate change is a pressing challenge requiring comprehensive
action.
● Government policies, such as the Infrastructure Act and Clean
Fuels Program, are making strides.
● Mitigation strategies encompass renewable energy, sustainable
transportation, agriculture, and international cooperation.
● Local initiatives, like the BFIS Going Green Club, contribute to the
transition towards a sustainable future.

12. VII. Further reading
● Websites that could be useful - USA based eg.
● https://www.whitehouse.gov/climate/
● https://www.epa.gov/climatechange-science/impacts-climate-
change#:~:text=Increases%20in%20the%20frequency%20and,reduce%20the%20affordability%20of%20insurance.
VIII. References
● List of sources consulted for the presentation, including academic articles, government reports, and news articles