Press Releases

2015 was the hottest year in recorded history, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Both agencies confirmed today that the global average temperature recorded in 2015 was 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit over the 20th century average and surpassed last year’s record by .29 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking the annual global temperature record by the largest margin in the 136-year scientific record.

“Climate change is the greatest existential threat facing the world right now,” said U.S. Representative Don Beyer.  “Regardless of how much time we spend debating or how many hearings we hold, temperatures will continue to rise at a catastrophic rate until we address this problem. The COP21 agreement reached in Paris last month will help, but it is not enough. Congress must take action to stop the harmful consequences of climate change.”

“Temperature spikes like this lead to life-threatening extreme weather events, droughts, wildfires, rising sea levels, and ice melt,” Beyer added.  “Climate change is already having disastrous effects on American farmers, coastal cities, and public health. Scientists tell us plainly that we do not have time to delay: we must act now before the damage is irreversible.”