Newly appointed EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the publication of climate change information on the Agency’s newly restored climate change webpage for the first time in 4 years.
II.studio / Shutterstock.com
“Climate facts are back on EPA’s website where they should be,” Regan said. “Considering the urgency of this crisis, it’s critical that Americans have access to information and resources so that we can all play a role in protecting our environment, our health, and vulnerable communities. Trustworthy, science-based information is at the foundation of strong, achievable solutions.”
The new site provides access to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, data on the impacts of climate change, scientific reports, and information and links to existing climate change programs within the EPA and other parts of the federal government. As stated on the webpage, one of the EPA’s priorities is “restoring the role of science in addressing the climate crisis.” To highlight this, the webpage helps the public view and understand available scientific data. For example:
- An interactive Climate Indicators StoryMap provides access to the indicator data that show how the climate is changing. It also allows visitors to see the implications of climate change across the United States, along with providing information and resources for learning more about adapting to rapid climate changes.
- A link to EJSCREEN, the EPA’s mapping and screening tool, that “includes climate parameters on sea-level rise and flooding,” which allows visitors to understand the importance of environmental justice in tackling climate change issues.
In a video message posted on March 17, Regan said addressing climate change “isn’t about sacrifice. It’s about opportunity.”
“Americans in every corner of our country are seeing and feeling the effects of climate change,” he said. “Combating climate change, it’s not optional, it’s essential at the EPA. We will move with a sense of urgency because we know what’s at stake. We know that tackling the climate crisis is the single best opportunity we have to strengthen our economy, to put our people back to work, and to build a healthier more equitable environment for our communities across America.”
Across the administration, President Joseph Biden Jr. continues to make changes designed to confront the “existential threat” of climate change.
When he signed a series of Executive Orders on his eighth day in office, he said, “It’s time to act.… We’ve already waited too long to deal with this climate crisis, and we can’t wait any longer. We see it with our own eyes, we feel it, we know it in our bones.”