Global Warming Solutions Reports

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Executive Summary

Global warming is the defining challenge of our time. The latest climate science tells us that the United States must reduce its emissions of global warming pollutants quickly and dramatically if we hope to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of global warming. The rest of the world must take strong action as well.

For the United States to make the emission reductions science tells us will be necessary—cutting emissions by at least 15-20 percent by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050—will require major changes in many areas of America’s economy, from the increased use of clean, renewable energy to dramatic improvements in the efficiency with which we use energy in our homes, businesses and vehicles. But solutions exist
today that can get us much of the way there. And communities across the country—and around the globe—are making those solutions a reality.

This report details more than 20 examples of cutting-edge policies and practices that communities, states and countries are
using to reduce global warming pollution. These examples show that while actions to reduce global warming pollution require
commitment and creativity, they also bring with them other benefits—reduced dependence on fossil fuels, cleaner air and healthier communities, economic growth and new jobs.

America should learn from these initiatives by adopting public policy “best practices” that can achieve similar benefits
nationwide. The United States—as well as individual states—should foster further innovation by adopting mandatory caps on global warming pollution, coupled with policies that will promote the transition to a cleaner, more efficient energy system.