5.3 Conclusion

“Federal action on climate change impacts and adaptation is urgently needed and should ”be a priority for legislative and policy action.

forts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will not eliminate the need to prepare for these impacts. Therefore proactive GHG reduction strategies and adaptation planning need to be undertaken concurrently.

Climate change will have tremendous impacts on the human and natural environment, including significant effects on the United States’ transportation networks. The nation’s transportation systems represent huge national investments that are critical to the strength of the country’s economy and the vitality of its communities. Further, these networks, once designed and constructed, are in place for decades. Given the strategic importance of transportation to the future of the country, and the substantial funding that is invested, it is both prudent and essential to consider the potential risks of climate change and to develop sound adaptation strategies that will ensure the long-term viability of our infrastructure.

To date, government leadership and action on the issue of understanding and preparing for the effects of climate changes has occurred primarily at the state level. While these efforts are valuable, the complexities and magnitude involved in researching, planning for, and adapting to climate change require a national-level approach. A national approach will provide a consistent policy and data framework and ensure effective coordination of efforts across agencies and disciplines. Only the federal government can do the necessary supportive interdisciplinary climate impact research, data