Author Archives: Nick Sundt

Cato Institute Halloween trick: issues report masquerading as an "Addendum" to 2009 National Climate Assessment

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Nick Sundt

In 2009, a scientific assessment of Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States sponsored by the U.S. Global Change Research Program warned in its key findings that "coastal areas are at increasing risk from sea-level rise and storm surge." … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Warming Denial Machine | 1 Comment

A Tale of Two Droughts

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Nick Sundt

Those who think we are powerless to do anything about the 'greenhouse effect' are forgetting about the 'White House effect.''' Was that Barack Obama in 2008? Nope. Republican presidential candidate George H.W. Bush spoke those words 24 years ago this month, as he headed to victory that November.

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Posted in Climate Change Mitigation, Global Climate Disruption and Impacts, Obama Administration | 1 Comment

To Politicians Napping on the Fireline: Wake Up, Smell the Smoke and Act on Climate Change

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Nick Sundt

The Standard Firefighting Orders developed to reduce firefighting risks include this: "Post lookouts when there is possible danger." And the Watch Out Situations that should raise immediate concerns among firefighters on the line include "Taking a nap near fireline." Our climate … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change Preparedness | Leave a comment

Climate science denier Colorado Congressman wants federal wildfire disaster aid

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Nick Sundt

The High Park Fire in freshman Rep. Cory Gardner's (R-Colorado) district has torched 87,284 acres, burned 257 houses and has cost $33.5 million to suppress. Rep. Gardner is part of the House majority that rejects climate science that connects fossil fuel … Continue reading →

Posted in Congress: Legislation and Oversight, Global Warming Denial Machine | 4 Comments

Rising Temperatures Expose Cities' Vulnerable Electrical Supplies

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Nick Sundt

Extreme summer heat drives up electricity demand  for cooling. This can strain electrical supply, transmission, and distribution systems and thereby increase the risks of very costly and disruptive blackouts.  An analysis released by Oak Ridge National Laboratory cites two examples in … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessments of Climate Impacts and Adaptation, Climate Change Preparedness | 3 Comments

Federal report warns of costly impacts to US cities from changing weather extremes

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Nick Sundt

A new report from Oak Ridge National Laboratory warns that urban areas in the U.S. "are vulnerable to extreme weather events that will become more intense, frequent, and/or longer-lasting with climate change. " The authors say that the "true consequences … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessments of Climate Impacts and Adaptation, Climate Change Preparedness | 2 Comments

IPCC says essential actions needed to reduce risks of changing climate extremes

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Nick Sundt

A new assessment report by the the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on preparing for weather and climate extremes warns that a changing climate “can result in unprecedented extreme weather and climate events” and says that actions ranging “from … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessments of Climate Impacts and Adaptation, Climate Change Preparedness | 1 Comment

Dangerously Unprepared: Congressional Budget Cuts are Leaving Americans Vulnerable to Climate Extremes

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Nick Sundt

In 2011, the U.S. has been hammered by climate extremes, with economic damages by mid-June approaching a record $32 billion. Yet determined Congressional opponents of federal climate change efforts are doggedly impeding Federal activities to inform and engage the public … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change Preparedness, Congress: Legislation and Oversight, Global Warming Denial Machine | Leave a comment

Extreme Texas drought and wildfires sharpen contrast between Texas Congressional delegation's climate views and conditions at home

Posted on April 10, 2011 by Nick Sundt

On April 7, all but one of the U.S. House Republican members from Texas voted for H.R. 910 to prevent EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. The vote came immediately after Texas experienced its driest March on record, and as nearly 98% of … Continue reading →

Posted in Congress: Legislation and Oversight, Global Climate Disruption and Impacts | 1 Comment

Budget cuts loom as the U.S. launches a National Climate Assessment

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Nick Sundt

In a process that will extensively engage Americans around the country, the National Climate Assessment will produce a landmark report on the impacts of climate change on the U.S. However, from the outset, budget cuts threaten the effort. The federal advisory … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessments of Climate Impacts and Adaptation, U.S. Global Change Research Program | 1 Comment