State Building Blocks
The participation of states on climate change is critical to achieving success in reducing America's greenhouse gas emissions. Many states have already exhibited leadership by implementing a variety of policies and programs. Through Executive Order several state Governor's have created climate action advisory teams to begin to address climate change and to develop climate action plans. Executive Orders have also been signed to set a state's GHG reduction targets, green a state's buildings or mandate a renewable portfolio standard.
Likewise, many states have passed climate change legislation that address transportation, energy efficiency and other climate related issues. Each of these efforts can be considered "building blocks" to a comprehensive climate action program. The Climate Policy Program has created an on-line building block "binder" to give states, municipalities, NGOs and the public an opportunity to learn more about how states are using these "building blocks" to create effective and comprehensive climate action programs.
For more information, please see the tabs below or the links at right.
How to Use this Guide
- The sections of this guide represent five key “building blocks” to developing a comprehensive climate change action program.
- Each section contains an example of either Legislation or Executive Order that kicks off or implements a climate change action process.
- Also in each section is a list of states that are currently implementing those processes.
- For additional information on state climate change action please contact the Climate Policy Program: 310.393.6100, or tamminen@newamerica.net
State Building Blocks
Climate Change Basics
What is Climate Change or Global Warming?
Global warming refers to a long-term rise in global average temperature which is caused by emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases that are emitted primarily by the burning of fossil fuels and the clearing of forests. These gases remain in our atmosphere for decades or even centuries. The profound impact rising temperatures have had in the Arctic provides a window into a future we may all experience. With continued warming, we can expect more extreme heat and drought, rising sea levels, and higher-intensity tropical storms. At risk are our coastal property and resources, the livability of our cities in summer, and the productivity of our farms, forests, and fisheries.
Global Warming and the United States:
Though Americans make up just 4 percent of the world's population, we produce 25 percent of the carbon dioxide pollution from fossil-fuel burning -- by far the largest share of any country. In fact, the United States emits more carbon dioxide than China, India and Japan, combined.
Coal-burning power plants are the largest U.S. source of carbon dioxide pollution -- they produce 2.5 billion tons every year. Automobiles, the second largest source, create nearly 1.5 billion tons of CO2 annually. A sharp reduction of greenhouse gas pollution would significantly slow global warming and reduce the likelihood of dangerous and irreversible impacts. Right away, we can put existing technologies for building cleaner cars and more modern electricity generators into widespread use. We can increase our reliance on renewable energy sources such as wind, sun and geothermal. And we can manufacture more efficient appliances and conserve energy.
The Hockey Stick Graph
This graph, created by a group of climate researchers in the late 1990s, reflects average Northern Hemisphere temperature changes over the past several centuries. It was the first comprehensive study combining data from many different archives of temperature including tree rings, ice cores, and coral reefs. It demonstrated that Northern Hemisphere temperatures rose sharply during the late 20th century, in marked contrast to the relatively small temperature fluctuations during the previous six centuries. The graph got its name because its shape resembles a hockey stick, with the blade end representing the sharp temperature rise over recent years.
