Global Warming: Emission Reductions Possible As Scientific Uncertainties Are Resolved
. ‘, 2. ., :, .” _‘. I. ., i . ,. ,: ^ “.. ,, ,_,,I :. ./ ., ,, - ,. -‘, ‘.’ :. ..I- .: Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division B-240222 September Z&l990 The Honorable Mike Synar Chairman, Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources Subcommittee, Committee on Government Operations House of Representatives Dear Mr. Chairman: This report provides an overview of federal research on global warming and identifies policy issues for dealing with climate change. It is intended to provide a framework for understanding the science and policy issues concerning global climate change. As agreed, unless you publicly release its contents earlier, we will make no further distribution of this report until 30 days from the date of this letter. At that time, we will send copies to the Administrator of EPA, Members of Congress, and other interested parties. We will make copies available to others upon request. If you have any questions about the report, please call Richard L. Hembra, Director, Environmental Protection Issues, at (202) 275-6 111. Other major contributors are listed in appendix V. Sincerely yours, $etiFq Assistant Comptroller General Executive Summ~ Growth in industry, agriculture, and transportation over the last several Purpose centuries has resulted in the increase in “greenhouse” gases, which may produce long-term and perhaps dramatic changes in global climate. The results of this increase may be higher sea levels and changes in agricul- tural productivity and in ecosystems. In response to a request by the Chairman, Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources Subcommittee, House Committee on Government Operations, this report + describes what is known and not known about greenhouse gases, . examines the strengths and limitations of est,imates of enhanced global warming, and .
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