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November 14, 2023

Ranking Member Lofgren Calls for Solutions after Release of Fifth National Climate Assessment

(WASHINGTON, D.C.)—Today, the Biden-Harris Administration released the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA 5). Conducted by the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), the Assessment analyzes the impacts of climate and global change in the United States.

Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) made the following statement:

“This assessment, and other sweeping climate reports like it, should be a catalyst for swift action to put every tool we have to use in addressing the climate crisis. The NCA 5 states that while the United States has achieved some emissions reductions, we must do more to reach our decarbonization goals. We need to advance support for promising climate solutions, like limitless and emission-free fusion energy. In the last two years, federally funded fusion energy has seen significant breakthroughs. Fusion energy could enable decarbonizing our planet to sustain humanity – but not without solid funding for fusion research and development. We are at an inflection point, and we cannot afford to lose this opportunity of a clean energy future.

“The Assessment confirms what Americans know all too well—more people are being put at risk due to extreme events fueled by the climate crisis. From the devastating flooding brought by atmospheric rivers in my state last winter to the heartbreaking Maui fires to record-breaking summer heat across the country—every American feels the impacts of the climate crisis. And not everyone is impacted equally, as historically underserved communities often bear the brunt of the worst effects of extreme climate and weather events.

“As Ranking Member of the Science Committee, I remain committed to ensuring our federal science agencies are well-equipped to build innovative solutions to the climate crisis. Unfortunately, rather than working on solutions to problems like the climate emergency, extreme MAGA Republicans repeatedly play games of brinksmanship with government funding.”