The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has sent a letter to climate denial-ists in Congress advising them of the reality of climate change in light of recent intimidation tactics. The effort is being led by former Congressman Rush Holt:
“For the United States, climate change impacts include greater threats of extreme weather events, sea level rise, and increased risk of regional water scarcity, heat waves, wildfires, and the disturbance of biological systems,” the updated 2016 letter says. “The severity of climate change impacts is increasing and is expected to increase substantially in the coming decades.”
The letter signatories said their statements are supported by key assessments from major scientific bodies, such as the U.S. government’s Global Change Research Program, the U.S. National Academies, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Over the past year, the House Committee on Science, chaired by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX), has engaged in various campaigns to hassle climate scientists and related organizations like NOAA.
Back in the reality based community, May was the eighth straight hottest month on record and Arctic sea ice will probably reach an all time low later this year.