We Must Deal With Global Warming: Scientists

Global warming is very real and needs to be addressed now, says a report issued yesterday by the National Academy of Sciences. “The risks associated with doing business as usual are a much greater concern than the risks associated with engaging in ambitious but measured response efforts,” says the report, titled America's Climate Choices. Although it doesn't offer specific steps, the report does call for immediate federal action to increase research and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, reports the New York Times.

“We don’t know exactly when the tsunami will hit or how high it will be, but we know it is coming, and we should prepare,” says the report's chairman. But many of the unconvinced remained unconvinced. “I see nothing substantive in this report that adds to the knowledge base necessary to make an informed decision about what steps—if any—should be taken to address climate change,” says Texas Rep. Joe Barton. (More National Academy of Sciences stories.)