Understanding the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5): strategic next steps for a sustainable future.

The Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) has been released, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of climate change in the United States. In this article, we'll delve into the NCA5's main points and offer actionable recommendations for individuals, businesses, and policymakers.

In addition to the launch of NCA5, it was announced that President Biden is unveiling over $6 billion in investments aimed at enhancing the resilience of communities nationwide to the impacts of climate change. These initiatives will focus on upgrading the country's ageing electric grid infrastructure, minimising flood risk for communities, promoting conservation endeavours, and advocating for environmental justice. On top of this, the Administration is introducing new tools to support climate resilience efforts.

The Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) is a comprehensive analysis of the state of climate change in the United States. It is led by the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) and involves collaboration with 14 member agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The report brings together the expertise of nearly 500 authors and 250 contributors from every state, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The primary goal of NCA5 is to provide authoritative and decision-relevant information on various aspects of climate change

According to the Fifth National Climate Assessment, climate change is already causing significant disruptions, including supply chain interruptions, rising sea levels that threaten properties and infrastructure, increased health risks, altered ecosystems, and slower economic growth.

These are the key take-aways:

Climate change is real and here to stay: The NCA5 confirms that climate change is no longer a distant threat; it's happening now, and its impacts are already being felt across the country. Rising temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and increased sea-level rise are just a few examples of the consequences of climate change.

Human activities are the primary cause: The report unequivocally states that human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and land use changes, are the primary cause of global warming.

Consequences of climate change: The NCA5 highlights the severe consequences of climate change, including rising sea levels, more intense wildfires, declining air quality, and negative impacts on agriculture, forestry, and ecosystems. These effects disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as low-income communities, indigenous peoples, and future generations.

Economic impacts: Climate change poses significant economic risks, from damage to infrastructure and property, to impacts on tourism, fisheries, and other industries. The NCA5 estimates that climate change could cost the U.S. economy hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century if left unchecked.

Importance of immediate action: The report emphasises the urgent need for action to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Delayed or insufficient responses will lead to more severe consequences and higher costs in the long run.

So, how do we act now?

“Meeting US mitigation targets means reaching net-zero emissions” (NCA5)

Achieving a global temperature increase limit of less than 2°C (3.6°F) necessitates attaining net-zero carbon dioxide emissions worldwide by 2050 and eliminating all greenhouse gas emissions from human activities shortly after. Reaching this goal will rely on the extensive application of existing, economically viable emissions-reduction measures, along with the swift development and deployment of technologies capable of removing carbon from the atmosphere to counterbalance any lingering emissions.

As listed by the NCA5, here are several examples of scenarios that will help the US reach net zero:

• Transforming the electricity sector through renewable energy (primarily wind and solar) and energy storage.
• Shifting transportation and heating systems to zero-carbon electricity or low-carbon fuels (e.g., hydrogen).
• Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, appliances, and vehicles.
• Implementing urban planning and design that promotes public transportation, active transportation, and energy-efficient buildings.
• Optimising food production, distribution, and consumption to reduce emissions and improve sustainability.
• Improving land management practices to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and maximise carbon removal and storage.

The findings are clear: climate change is not only real but also already affecting communities across the country, with disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations. To avoid catastrophic consequences, immediate action is required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a net-zero economy. Every American has a role to play in this effort, and it starts with understanding the urgency of the crisis and taking actions to reduce their carbon footprint, whether it be personal or at an organisational level.

At Expect, we recognise the urgency and importance of promoting sustainable development, and have developed innovative solutions to tackle some of the most pressing climate challenges we are facing. Our platform, enabled by data and AI, allows businesses and organisations to accurately measure, report, and manage their greenhouse gas emissions. By providing transparency and visibility into carbon footprints, we empower our clients to make informed decisions about their environmental impact and take action towards reducing their carbon footprint.

If you would like to learn more about how your organisation can take climate action, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. If you are interested in learning more about US climate news, check out our recent article California's Latest ESG Legislation Update.