Virginia Cramer, virginia.cramer@sierraclub.org, 804-519-8449
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change today issued a special report detailing climate impacts already being seen on lands, and the importance of improving land management and land protection and restoration to address the climate crisis. Among the key findings of the report is the essential role for lands in drawing down and storing carbon dioxide pollution from the atmosphere. The report also drives home the urgency of action-- stressing that delay in greenhouse gas emissions reductions is closing the window to combat the effects of the climate crisis on lands, creating lasting harm to wild places, wildlife, food and water supplies.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune issued the following statement.
“Changes to our climate and lands are a global crisis requiring a global solution--one in which we all play a role.
“The science is conclusive: in the U.S, public land management must be part of our climate solution. We must not only prevent further pollution by stopping new dirty fuels leasing and development, but also keep natural spaces wild to help pull us back from the brink of the climate crisis. Keeping forests intact to store carbon and protecting public lands will also safeguard wildlife faced with mass extinction, and provide protection from flooding and other climate-induced disasters that we’re already seeing. We have an incredible resource -- and incredible opportunity -- in our public lands, but we have to act now before our chance is lost.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.