Cantwell: Climate Change Isn’t Just About the Environment; It’s About Jobs, Economy

Cantwell Urges Government to Take Commonsense Approach to Global Warming and Plan for the Future; Failure to Act Will Cost Washingtonians $1,250 a year by 2020

WASHINGTON, DC – During a Senate Commerce Committee hearing held today on climate change, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) discussed the devastating effects of climate change and steps government must take to quickly plan for the future. Cantwell also highlighted a symptom of global warming called ocean acidification, which is already taking its toll on industries in the Pacific Northwest that depend on marine resources.

“In fact, if we fail to act, climate change and its effects will cost Washingtonians an additional $1,250 each year by 2020,” said Cantwell. “I am particularly concerned with what many people call climate change’s ‘evil twin,’ ocean acidification. Unless we figure out solutions to address the impact high levels of carbon dioxide are having on our oceans, we could be facing the single greatest disaster when it comes to the ocean environment."

Atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is driving climate change, is responsible for ocean acidification. Emissions of carbon dioxide have increased the global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration by 35 percent. Over half a trillion tons of carbon dioxide or one third of all CO2 emissions since the start of the industrial revolution have been absorbed by our oceans. Carbon dioxide reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, and in excess, causes oceans to become more acidic. This hinders the ability of reefs to rebuild and can dissolve the shells of animals such as plankton, scallops, clams, lobsters, and others forming the base of the food chain. Warmer, more acidic oceans can destroy important fisheries and food chains in the Pacific Ocean, impacting Pacific Northwest icons like Pacific Salmon. Reduced Salmon runs would harm Puget Sound's endangered Southern Resident Orca populations that depend on the salmon as a major source of food.

In addition to damaging the environment, climate change also has the potential to significantly impact our communities and economy. Washington’s commercial fishing industry, which is threatened by disruptions from ocean acidification, produces gross annual sales of more than $3.5 billion and accounts for nearly 10,000 jobs in the Greater Seattle area. The recreational fishing industry in the state is valued at $1.6 billion, and $4.5 billion for the entire west coast. Nationwide, commercial fisheries contribute over $30 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

In a February 2009 report, the Washington State Department of Ecology estimates that if nothing is done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, each household in Washington will pay on average an additional $1,250 each year by 2020. Furthermore, health care-related costs for Washingtonians would increase by $1.3 billion and energy costs would increase by $222 million. The text of the full report is available at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/reports.htm

“I’ve already heard stories from shellfish farmers who are seeing their businesses devastated by the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification,” continued Cantwell. “And if things continue down their current path, families and businesses will lose everything they’ve worked for. We must take steps to slow down climate change by finally looking our addiction to fossil fuels in the eye and saying ‘enough is enough.’ We must transition to cleaner, more diverse energy sources. Planning for the future isn’t just common sense – it’s responsible government.”

During the 110th Congress, the Senate Commerce Committee approved the Climate Change Adaptation Act, a bill by Cantwell and Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) to study and address ocean acidification. Senator Cantwell hopes to continue work on the topic in the 111th Congress.