GLOBAL WARMING

New York’s climate, and that of the planet, has been warming over the past century, mainly due to increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Scientists believe that the higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in

our atmosphere are the result of human activities, principally the combustion of fossil fuels for energy.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a 10-state partnership to stabilize and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, one of the most abundant heat-trapping gases, from power plants. This program is an important first step to reduce the pollution that causes climate change.

REPORTS & RESOURCES

• Report: Climate of Change: How Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Strengthens New York Business

• Report: Forecast for New York: Projected Global Warming Impacts & Next Steps

• Environmental Advocates' Comments on the Rule to Guide the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (Dec. 2007)

• Brochure: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and New York State

• Union of Concerned Scientists: Northeast Climate Change Report

• Voluntary Renewable Energy Fact Sheet

• Case Statement: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: Using RGGI Proceeds to Conserve Energy & Reduce Pollution