What steps Georgians can take following the release of the National Climate Assessment

The Fifth National Climate Assessment is the U.S. government’s preeminent report on climate change impacts, risks and responses. It's a congressionally mandated interagency effort that provides the scientific foundation to support informed decision-making across the U.S.

David Goldman / Associated Press

The Fifth National Climate Assessment is now available. The U.S. Global Change Research Program produces the report every four years.

The assessment aims to provide a snapshot of the current state of climate change and its potential risks. It also explains how the U.S. is addressing climate change and how the nation can be climate resilient.

On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” WABE environmental reporter Marisa Mecke and WABE climate reporter Emily Jones talked with host Rose Scott about some of the key takeaways from the report and how they relate to Georgia.

Mecke discussed the effects of climate change on urban heat and flooding, and Jones talked more about the effects of climate change on agriculture and broader severe weather.