ACS joins with Climate Science Working Group for statement on climate change

June 30, 2021

Dear Members of Congress,

The undersigned major scientific organizations write to express the evidence-based urgency of boldly addressing climate change and encourage you to act quickly.

Observations throughout the world make it clear climate change is occurring and rapidly intensifying. Rigorous scientific research concludes greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted by human activities are the primary driver. The basic physical science behind climate change is well understood and not the subject of serious scientific debate. There is strong evidence that ongoing climate change is having broad negative impacts on society, including the global economy, our shared environment and oceans, and human health. The severity of climate change impacts is likely to increase significantly in the coming decades.1

To reduce the risk of the most severe impacts of climate change, anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions must be substantially reduced. Additionally, it is imperative we invest heavily in adaptation and mitigation strategies to improve resilience, including substantial infrastructure upgrades. Rapid action is necessary to avoid potentially disastrous consequences for health, biodiversity, food security, water availability, and national security.

Leading with science will be critical to understanding and addressing the effects of climate change, and the entire scientific community will play a role in addressing this emergency. Robust support for climate research and forecasting, including the social sciences to address human and ecological impacts, will be necessary to meet this global challenge.

The science makes it clear that bold action is needed to address the climate crisis. The undersigned scientific community is not only up to the challenge, but also stands ready to assist you with solutions.