The Obama administration argues in a new report that failure to act on climate change could cause an estimated 57,000 deaths in the United States from poor air quality by 2100. It says an estimated 12,000 people in 49 U.S. cities could die from extreme temperatures in 2100.
A report released Monday by the White House was intended to show the costs of inaction on climate change, as well as the benefits from taking action now.
While the most severe effects of global warming would not be felt for decades, the Obama said that decisions about climate change need to be made now.
The report says actions to slow climate change could save about $3.1 billion in expected costs from sea-level rise and storm surge in 2100.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
