First Comprehensive U.S. Study of Climate Change Economic Impact: UM to Release Oct. 16

WHAT:

Telephone news conference and online release of a new study from the University of Maryland -- the first to pull together and analyze the previous economic research on the subject, along with other relevant data, in order to develop a more complete estimate of costs.

The report analyzes expenses such as rebuilding or preparing infrastructure to meet new realities and the ripple economic effects on the agricultural, manufacturing and public service sectors. In part, the report evaluates the "costs of inaction" -- how a failure to reduce greenhouse gases can make response and adaptation more expensive.

Where possible, the researchers offer estimates of costs, but conclude that it is presently impossible to project a price tag for the total economic cost of climate change.

The researchers offer "five lessons" to describe their findings, and analyze results both nationally and by regions of the country. The Center for Integrative Environmental Research at the University of Maryland conducted the study.

WHEN:

Online Release: Tuesday, Oct. 16, 8:30 a.m. ET
http://www.cier.umd.edu/climateadaptation
Telephone News Conference: Tuesday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m., ET to 12:30 p.m. ET

NEWS CONFERENCE:

The study results and conclusions will be presented by the lead researcher, Matthias Ruth, director of the University of Maryland's Center for Integrative Environmental Research and the Roy F. Weston Chair in Natural Economics. Dr. Ruth will also answer media questions.

Media may participate by calling 719-325-4774, or toll free at 877-681-3377. Please dial in five to 10 minutes prior to the start time.

For planning purposes, we request that media RSVP Monday afternoon, Oct. 15 by 4:30 p.m. ET.
Please call Neil Tickner, 301-405-4622

EMBARGOED COPY AVAILABLE:

Reporters, editors and producers may obtain a pdf version of the executive summary and report on an embargo basis. The study will remain embargoed until 8:30 a.m., ET, Oct. 16. To accept the embargo, contact:

Neil Tickner
University of Maryland Communications
301-405-4622 (office)
301-257-0073 (cell phone)
ntickner@umd.edu