Donna Shalala: “Since 1950, the sea level in south Florida has risen 8 inches and it is only speeding up. By 2030, the sea level in…”

“Since 1950, the sea level in south Florida has risen 8 inches and it is only speeding up. By 2030, the sea level in south Florida is projected to rise up to 12 inches, and by the end of the century, perhaps 80 inches. If we continue to do nothing on climate change, my community, and, in fact, my district, will disappear. We have a moral obligation to mitigate and adapt immediately, as we are already seeing the effects of climate change and sea level rise. That is why I was so heartened when the international community came together to sign the Paris Agreement, and that is why I was so devastated when this administration announced the United States' withdrawal. The Paris Agreement strengthens the international response to climate change adaptation, mitigation, and capacity building. It is our best, collective effort to combat climate change. The withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the failure to act on climate is a mistake with global implications and catastrophic consequences for my south Florida community. I am proud to support H.R. 9 because it rejects the decision to withdraw from Paris and requires the President to develop a plan to meet the United States' commitment under the agreement. My amendment strengthens the bill because it makes clear that addressing climate change means addressing its effects that are ravaging our coastal communities, sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, and flooding.…”