This report begins with a history of climate action in Maryland and of the Commission itself, together with an update to the science of climate change in Maryland based on recent findings by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It emphasizes the urgency of adopting a state plan to reduce Green House Gas emissions. In 2015, the MCCC recommended the Green House Gas Emissions Reduction Act (GGRA) be reauthorized with a new goal
requiring a 40 percent reduction of emissions from 2006 levels by 2030. Recommendations to the Commission by its four working groups form the crux of the 2019 report.
This report builds on the information provided in previous Commission publications. It contains an update on the science of climate change; how it is already impacting Maryland’s ecosystems, infrastructure, and socioeconomic framework; and how it is expected to impact the State in the future. It culminates in progress being made to address these projections and the State’s goals at various points along the timeline, and the Commission’s recommendations to the State agencies and other State entities to continue the path forward.
This report includes an update on the science of climate change; how the changing climate is already impacting Maryland’s ecosystems, infrastructure, and socioeconomic framework; and how it is expected to impact the State in the future. It culminates in progress being made to address the projected changes and the State’s emission reduction requirements at various points along the timeline, and the Commission’s recommendations to the State and State agencies to continue the path forward.
This report contains a background on the history and structure of the Commission, updates on the progress of science and climate action in the global and local community, and an examination of potential and realized climate impacts to the State; culminating with the Commission’s recommendations for future state climate action.
This report provides background and recommendations on key challenges and opportunities related to the state of Maryland’s response to climate change. The report is also intended to promote a structured, predictable and adaptive process for monitoring and managing the state’s climate actions and policy decisions.