Journal Article

Strengthened scientific support for the Endangerment Finding for atmospheric greenhouse gases

Duffy, P. B., Field, C.B., Diffenbaugh, N. S., Doney, S. C., Dutton, Z., Goodman, S., Heinzerling, L., Hsiang, S., Lobell, D. B., Mickley, L. J., Myers, S., Natali, S. M., Parmesan, C., Tierney, S., Williams, A. P. 

Published December 14, 2018

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Abstract

We assess scientific evidence that has emerged since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2009 Endangerment Finding for six well-mixed greenhouse gases, and find that this new evidence lends increased support to the conclusion that these gases pose a danger to public health and welfare. Newly available evidence about a wide range of observed and projected impacts strengthens the association between risk of some of these impacts and anthropogenic climate change; indicates that some impacts or combinations of impacts have the potential to be more severe than previously understood; and identifies substantial risk of additional impacts through processes and pathways not considered in the endangerment finding. This research, co-authored by Lab co-director Solomon Hsiang of the University of California’s Goldman School, points to evidence from a number of academic contributions by members of our research team.

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