President's Leadership on Climate Change Is Admirable, Says American Geophysical Union

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement is attributable to American Geophysical Union (AGU) executive director/CEO Christine McEntee:

We are pleased to see that President Obama's commitment to addressing the growing impacts of climate change is coming to fruition. When it comes to climate change, its causes, and its impacts, the science is clear and the scientific community is in agreement. We cannot continue to delay action. The costs are too high.

Climate change is already having an impact on communities, regions, and industries across the U.S. and around the world. These impacts are affecting our economy, public safety, and quality of life, and they will continue to worsen if we don't act now.

Addressing this critical challenge requires a global commitment from all stakeholders, including the business community, the energy industry, and national, regional, and local governments, and a willingness to embrace both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Difficult decisions will have to be made at all levels. However, we know that those decisions have the potential to open up new avenues for economic growth and development—both now, and in the future.

Scientific research can provide farmers, business owners, city planners, and home-owners with the information they need to implement the actions outlined in the president's plan. It can also provide legislators with the information they need to develop effective public policy.

That's why it is essential that any plan also include a commitment to investing in the scientific research that will enable us to protect our communities today, prepare for future consequences, and reduce the threat to generations to come.

The scientific community, including AGU and its members, are committed to providing the scientific facts that will enable well informed decision making for addressing the growing challenge of climate change.   We look forward to working with all stakeholders to begin building a foundation for a more sustainable future.

The American Geophysical Union is a not-for-profit, professional, scientific organization with more than 62,000 members representing over 144 countries.  AGU advances the Earth and space sciences through its scholarly publications, conferences, and outreach programs. www.agu.org

SOURCE American Geophysical Union