ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the political implications of extreme weather events in the US and the associated public opinion changes. It explores how a higher level of awareness on the cost of preparedness and responses presents opportunities to reshape the public narrative around climate change and to mobilise grassroots constituencies. The first administration of President Barack Obama resorted to pursuing the climate agenda largely through executive actions. Less analysed in the public domain is the long-term impact of extreme weather on US public perceptions of climate change. The US military is undertaking comprehensive operational assessment of its capabilities to reduce future climate vulnerabilities. The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program are also examining the vulnerability of US military installations to sea-level rise. Theda Skocpol's analysis was a thinly veiled critique of the strategy embraced by large DC-based environmental groups. An Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force was set up in 2009.
