White House endorses international climate study

The White House said Friday it helped to finalize and approve a "landmark climate change science report" that states global warming is likely caused by humans and that its effects probably will worsen in this century. 

The White House said Friday it helped to finalize and approve a "landmark climate change science report" that states global warming is likely caused by humans and that its effects probably will worsen in this century.
 
"[The report] captures and summarizes the current state of climate-science research and will serve as a valuable source of information for policymakers," Dr. Sharon Hays, who led the U.S. delegation at the meeting, said. Hays is the associate director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in the Executive Office of the President.

 "It reflects the sizeable and robust body of knowledge regarding the physical science of climate change, including the finding that the Earth is warming and that human activities have very likely caused most of the warming of the last 50 years," Hays said.

  In a release on the report, the White House said the U.S. "has played a leading role in advancing climate science and observations," including spending $29 billion on climate-related science, technology, international assistance and incentive programs.
 
  While the global community often criticizes the U.S. and the Bush administration for not doing enough to control global warming, the White House said the U.S. is "leading the world with unparalleled financial commitment" on the issue.