How can the U.S. limit the effects of climate change?

The White House’s latest National Climate Assessment warns that climate change is not a thing of the future: It is happening right now in every corner of the U.S.

This slideshow illustrates the report’s primary concerns and how each region is and will be affected.

Despite the report’s findings, a Pew poll in January shows only 29 percent of Americans view global warming as a top government policy priority, placing it 19th out of 20 concerns.

What is the significance of this report?

Why does it hit home harder than the previous assessments?

What has the United States done to fight climate change or protect people from its consequences in the future?

We consulted a panel of experts to get the Inside Story.