More frequent and intense extreme weather events are already happening and only getting worse as a result of climate change. Those conclusions are just part of an expansive report including contributions from 13 federal agencies and released late last week.

"We've been knowing the dire consequences for years now. It's been a matter of trying to get through the denial and to awaken the public to what's going on," Diana Strablow, Sierra Club Niagara vice chair, said.

For environmental advocates it’s just the latest report to suggest the time to act was yesterday. Strablow said the conclusions are no surprise.

"I think to be honest, the only thing that stands out is that I'm impressed that it came out within the Trump administration," she said.

However, this week, both President Donald Trump and members of his administration expressed skepticism about the report.

"You have to look at the fact that this report is based on the most extreme modeled scenario which contradicts long established trends. Modeling the climate is an extremely complicated science which is never exact. The biggest thing that we can do is focus on how to make sure we have the cleanest air, the cleanest water, and the president is certainly doing that and certainly leading on that front," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said.

Strablow scoffed at the White House's assertion it is focusing on clean air and clean water, arguing the Environmental Protection Agency has made rolling back regulations a priority.

"He wants to bring back the coal industry. The dirtiest fuel of all, the most carbon emitting fuel of all, he wants to resurrect. Clean air and clean water are not on his agenda," she said.

Trump said a lot of people with "high levels of intelligence" are not necessarily "such believers."

"To not believe in climate change means you don't believe in science. There's no real doubt about climate change in the scientific community," Strablow said.

She said the administration's stance is troubling but not one she expects to change. In lieu of the federal government, she said believers will have to work for reform at the state and local levels.