The White House will broadcast an event online today (May 6) to highlight the findings of a new report on the impacts of climate change, and you can watch the chat live in a webcast.
The Third U.S. National Climate Assessment, released this morning, details the regional effects of climate change, and examines the potential impacts of global warming on the national economy. The report found that all parts of the country are being affected by human-caused climate change, ranging from more intense heat waves to torrential rainfall to sweeping wildfires.
The event will feature remarks from senior White House officials, as well as commentary from experts who contributed to the report. You can watch the climate change webcast on Live Science, beginning at 2 p.m. EDT. [The Reality of Climate Change: 10 Myths Busted]
The National Climate Assessment (NCA) is part of President Obama's so-called Climate Action Plan, which launched last June. The bold initiative aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and prepare communities to withstand the effects of a warming planet. President Obama's ambitious strategy is also designed to lead global efforts to combat climate change.
"Climate change is not a distant threat, it's already affecting every region of the country and economy," John Holdren, assistant to the president for science and technology and director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, said today in a news briefing about the NCA's findings.
The report outlined how different regions of the country will be affected by climate change. For instance, the Northeast will experience more heat waves and extreme precipitation, whereas the Southwest can expect hotter and drier weather, and more wildfires.
More than 300 scientists contributed to the National Climate Assessment, and the report was thoroughly reviewed by federal agencies and the public before its release.
On Thursday (May 8), the White House and the Weather Channel will host a live Google+ Hangout at 2 p.m. EDT to discuss the current state of climate science.
Participants will include: Carl Parker, a hurricane specialist at the Weather Channel; Kathy Sullivan, administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Dan Utech, from the White House Domestic Policy Council; Mike Boots, from the White House Council on Environmental Quality; and Laura Petes, from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Follow Denise Chow on Twitter @denisechow. Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science.
