The world's climate is changing. Scientific evidence clearly demonstrates an unprecedented rate of global warming is taking place. This warming is serving as a driving force behind changes to the global climate. Leaders across the globe are confronted with the implications of an uncertain future in which the changing climate threaten significant impacts on nearly every aspect of our lives. The response by the United States and much of the international community to climate change is currently focused on efforts to mitigate the warming of the earth's surface. The situation, however, has advanced beyond the point where mitigation efforts can succeed in limiting global warming and concomitant climate change to levels that would avert the significant and potentially catastrophic impacts of climate change. Climate change is inevitable. The United States, to ensure its peace, prosperity, the welfare of its citizens and to preserve its global leadership role must prepare now for a future that will be dramatically reshaped by the inevitable climate change ahead.