Do all citizens have a right to a hospitable climate? Can legislation be passed to mitigate the consequences of greenhouse gases? How do regulations (or deregulations) have the power to promote sustainable practices and curb emissions, or do the reverse? Are high-emitting corporations liable for climate-related damages? Where does the judicial system come into play? Climate change has pushed these questions to the forefront of our national conversation. And, each question highlights the integral role of our government in confronting climate change and the critical need for policies.
As a nation we have three branches of government with separate but interrelated responsibilities. This “separation of powers” was intended to prevent one governmental body from gaining too much power and becoming autocratic.
The US Global Change Research Program is required to produce a report every four years for Congress and the President on climate change and policy suggestions. You can read the Fifth National Climate Assessment report here.
Explore this section of the site to learn more about what the federal government is doing to mitigate climate change - or how much more they could be doing. Check out a list of climate related bills and resolutions, laws, and executive orders, or read about how children are suing the federal government due to global warming.
CREDIT: NCA