WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), former Chair of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, released the following statement on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5):

“Carbon pollution from burning fossil fuels is inflicting significant harm and raising costs on American families. The Fifth National Climate Assessment and the hundreds of scientists who collaborated on it help us understand the impacts and solutions to a heating world. Dangerous heatwaves, catastrophic hurricanes, severe droughts and floods are costing us more than $165 billion per year and risking lives. In Florida, where we now regularly break heat records, property insurance is sky-high, coastlines are shrinking and stronger storms are upending communities.

“The science is clear: if we fail to take decisive action to slash toxic carbon pollution from dirty fossil fuels, the devastating and deadly impacts of climate change will worsen and heat the planet to unlivable levels.

“The good news is the U.S. is making progress in fighting climate change through critical investments in clean energy, mitigation, adaptation and resilience policies recommended by my Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act. These smart policies are working. Regions across the country are experiencing a manufacturing revival as solar, wind, and battery companies build new plants and uplift communities. We’re harnessing American ingenuity to innovate and expand the production of clean energy technologies while creating good-paying jobs and rapidly reducing energy costs.

“The NCA5 underscores the importance of our historic investments in fighting climate change and protecting our communities. For the first time, the report extends beyond climate science and dives into the real-world actions communities are taking to respond to the changing climate. The American people, our country and the world cannot afford to take our foot off the pedal now. I will continue working with my colleagues and the Biden Administration to protect these critical investments and build on their incredible success.”

In coordination with the release of NCA5, the Biden-Harris Administration announced more than $6 billion in investments to strengthen and modernize the electric grid, reduce flood risks to communities, boost resiliency, invest in conservation and advance environmental justice.

The National Climate Assessment – mandated by Congress – provides the scientific foundation to support informed, evidence-based policies across the United States. The NCA5 was thoroughly reviewed by government experts, external experts and the public throughout the report’s development, including the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicines.