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Climate Change-Fueled “Megadrought” in Western U.S. Worst in 12 Centuries

HeadlineFeb 16, 2022

In more climate news, a new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change reveals the extreme drought plaguing the western United States is the worst in 1,200 years. Researchers at UCLA, NASA and Columbia University reviewed climate records dating back to the year 800. They attribute 42% of the severity of the current “megadrought” to greenhouse gases from human activity trapping more heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal seized on the findings to call on Republicans and Democratic Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema to reverse their opposition to legislation to mitigate the climate crisis. “It’s time for Congress to act by making meaningful investments into climate action — before it’s too late,” Jayapal said.

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