U.S. house Committee on Financial Services

Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy

Examining the Macroeconomic Impacts of a Changing Climate

Overview:

Global climate change is occurring more rapidly than at any point in history, primarily because of human activity catalyzing the release of heat-trapping gasses–greenhouse gases. 1 Climate change describes the complex shift in the planet’s weather and climate patterns, which encompasses events from unusual wildlife population displacement to extreme weather events and rising sea levels. The scientific evidence reinforcing the underlying cause of global climate shifts is considerable. 2 The varied impacts of climate change evident in every region of the United States have had an adverse effect on the domestic macroeconomy and will continue to do so in the future if uninterrupted. 3 Decreased crop yields, labor force displacement, rising sea level, and infrastructure damage are among the substantial first-order consequences of climate change. These costs are reverberating the world over and will have a consequential impact on the global economy, national security, and international stability unless adequately assessed and addressed.

Location:
Rayburn House Office
Building 45
Room 2128
Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20515

Date: September 11, 2019

Time: 2:00 PM EST