Successes
Recent successes in Global Warming include:
Pushed Congress ever closer to passing federal climate legislation
UCS provided congressional staff with educational and analytical support that helped a landmark bill win approval by a Senate committee. Our 2007 report How to Avoid Dangerous Climate Change explains the magnitude of global emissions reductions needed, recommends the United States reduce its emissions at least 80 percent below 2000 levels by mid-century, and compares federal proposals’ ability to achieve this goal. We also helped reduce taxpayer subsidies that would have favored nuclear power over renewable energy as a climate solution.
Exposed ExxonMobil’s role in misrepresenting the state of climate science
Our report Smoke, Mirrors, and Hot Air outlined a misinformation campaign funded by ExxonMobil similar to the one used by the tobacco industry to confuse the public about the dangers of cigarette smoking. We showed how the company gave millions of dollars to organizations that attempted to cast doubt on scientific findings such as those of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which concluded that there is a greater than 90 percent certainty human activities are influencing our climate. By drawing media attention to the IPCC’s work, UCS helped increase the pressure on legislators to support—and strengthen—current climate proposals.
Brought deforestation to the forefront of climate policy discussions
UCS analysis indicates that stopping tropical deforestation would contribute 6 to 14 percent of the total emissions reductions needed by midcentury. Our climate and forestry team demonstrated this and other important points in an article in Science. We also played an active role in international negotiations that formally (and finally) recognized emissions reductions from tropical forests as a key strategy for curbing global warming.
Built momentum for action in the Northeast by illustrating potential local impacts of global warming
More than 50 scientists and economists contributed to the UCS-led report Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast: Science, Impacts, and Solutions, which clearly demonstrates the need to put the region on a lower emissions path. Policy makers credited the state-specific analyses with helping them achieve important milestones such as New Jersey’s Global Warming Response Act and contributing to the implementation of the groundbreaking Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
Advanced smart climate policy in the Midwest
UCS and our allies in Minnesota succeeded in passing legislation to reduce the state’s global warming emissions and persuading several utilities to cancel plans for new coal-fired power plants. In addition, our input to state climate taskforces helped inform a regional cap-and-trade agreement signed by six midwestern governors.
Advised California policy makers on trend-setting actions
UCS participated in the implementation of the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act by promoting measures targeting vehicle and fuel emissions and expanding the number of early actions the state will take. We also strengthened the case for California’s proposed Clean Car Discount program, which would reduce light-duty car and truck emissions by providing incentives for cleaner vehicles and assessing fees on high-polluting vehicles. Our analysis showed that the program would save consumers money overall.
