Climate Risks (Editorial)

We at Arkansas Business rely on facts, just as our readers do. The facts, as observed and evaluated by scientists, point toward a climate changing because of human actions. Scientists say climate change is exacerbating weather events like the recent drought and fatal floods in Texas.

But there are other indications that speak to those with an evidence-based mindset, indications meaningful because they affect people’s livelihoods and careers. And when livelihoods are on the line, people tend to drop partisanship in favor of reality.

• David Maxwell, who heads the state Department of Emergency Management, told Arkansas Business recently that the pace of presidentially declared disasters has quickened. Since 1953, Arkansas has experienced 59 presidentially declared disasters — 17 of them during just the eight and a half years he’s headed ADEM.

• The American Farm Bureau Federation “recognizes there may be an increase in occurrences of extreme weather.” And in January, the federation reported the comments of California Farm Bureau Federation President Paul Wenger, who said that “the potential for climate change underlines the need for additional water storage in California.”

• The insurance industry recognizes the reality of climate change. The Insurance Information Institute, a trade group, said in September, “There is now a consensus among the scientific community that the climate is changing, with potential risk to the global economy, ecology, and human health and well-being,” though the institute holds that the role of human activity “is a matter of debate.” And a year ago, Lloyd’s of London, urged insurers to include climate change in their models.

• The U.S. Defense Department says that climate change threatens U.S. security.

Few would describe the agriculture and insurance industries as liberal. They are concerned because they see climate change as a threat to profits. Arkansans should pay attention.