National Climate Change Report Issues Dire Predictions, Immediate Call to Action

The federal government’s “Fourth National Climate Change Assessment”, quietly released the day after Thanksgiving with a startling list of dire predictions, was extremely eye-opening, according to Stephen Strader, an expert on the interaction of climate change, natural hazards and society.

“This assessment presents clear-cut and undeniable evidence that we are witnessing the impact of climate change on the U.S., says Strader, an assistant professor in Villanova’s Department of Geography and the Environment. “ From wildfires to drought to sea-level rise, many individuals will continue to feel the consequences of climate change in the years to come.”

The U.S. economy, environment, and the overall well-being of the population could all be severely affected, says Strader.

 “The most sobering finding stated in the report is: “Impacts from climate change on extreme weather and climate-related events, air quality, and the transmission of disease through insects and pests, food, and water increasingly threaten the health and well-being of the American people, particularly populations that are already vulnerable.” This means that deaths directly attributed to climate change are expected to rise in the future if action is not taken,” he added.

The report, prepared by dozens of leading American climate scientists, is not based on belief or feelings, Strader points out, but on mathematics, scientific principles, and statistics. And, its message is clear and unequivocal.

“Anthropogenic climate change is a fact and we are seeing the effects of it today. If we want to mitigate future consequences, changes have to be made immediately”, Strader concluded. “Unfortunately, any delay in action could be the difference between life and death for billions of individuals.” To speak with Strader, click on his headshot above, e-mail mediaexperts@villanova.edu or call 610-519-5152.