Climate Change

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Climate change is real and the time to act is now. Greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change pose a serious threat to our environment, and it also puts our own health at risk. Rising temperatures in California brought about by climate change will most likely lead to more air pollution, which means serious threats to lung health such as an increase and worsening of asthma attacks and hospital visits for breathing problems.

An international panel of scientists recently reported there is a greater than 90 percent certainty that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by human activity are the main cause of climate change.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) estimates that the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in California, producing approximately 40% of California's carbon dioxide emissions. Pollution from heavy traffic contributes to increased risk of respiratory problems which could lead to premature death.

The American Lung Association in California was instrumental in passing two landmark bills that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions:

  • AB 1493 – requires car companies to make cleaner cars with extremely low emissions of greenhouse gases.
  • AB 32 – sets the nation's first cap on greenhouse gas emissions. The law requires California's emissions to be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020 – a 25 percent reduction.  This law also establishes a system to monitor progress and make sure that the emission reductions are made on schedule.

If you'd like to take a more active role in our fight against climate change, join our Action Network today and take a proactive stance in the fight for healthy air and healthy lungs. 

Learn more about our fight to stop climate change: