About Climate Change
In June of 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to reduce emissions of gasses that cause climate change, marking the first time that either chamber of Congress has approved legislation confronting this issue. President Barack Obama then told world leaders that the U.S. will reduce carbon emissions by 17 percent by 2020 (compared to 2005 levels). He later used the State of the Union address to implore the U.S. Senate to support such policies, in the name of confronting climate change and creating new jobs in the sustainable energy sector. He declared: "The nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation."
In many ways, decisions made by U.S. elected officials will determine the future of the planet, as major industrialized countries are poised to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions if the U.S. does the same. However, any steps taken by the U.S. are contingent on the U.S. Senate, which has not voted on a new energy bill. Members of both major political parties have been working on a version they hope will generate enough bi-partisan support to pass. However, some elected officials fear that confronting climate change will be too costly in tough economic times. Some call for separating the economic issues from the environmental ones, and passing a "green jobs" while not addressing climate change at all. Others question whether climate change is even real.
What's not in dispute though, is that scientists from around the world are convinced there is a serious threat to the environment and global economy if climate change is not confronted. Last Fall, 18 top scientific organizations sent a letter to the U.S. Senate (PDF) to reaffirm that climate change is occurring and is caused by humans. Another 13 called on leaders (PDF) to take bold action. Polls show that most Americans support strong energy and energy policies. Yet, the debate isn't over. In fact, we're now facing one of the most critical moments in history.
To further your understanding of why this issue matters so much, here is a brief primer on climate change, the science, and the possible solutions.
What is climate change?
Picture this. If the Earth was an apple, our atmosphere would be no thicker than its skin. By burning fossil fuels (e.g., oil, coal, natural gas), humans have pumped millions of years of heat-trapping pollutants into our apple skin-thin atmosphere in just over 100 years!
The result is climate change (aka global warming): the rapid warming of our planet since the beginning of the industrial revolution.
Is it really getting hot in here?
It's starting to become extremely evident, especially in polar regions. Gary Braasch's famous photos show dramatic declines in glaciers. For cities that depend on glacial water, this threatens food supplies. The Pentagon is even worried about climate change as a security threat.
Lots of areas are getting drier, others wetter. Many call the problem "climate disruption" or "global weirding".
Additional consequences include:
- Sea levels are predicted to rise by several feet by the end of this century, putting cities like Miami and New Orleans at risk.
- More intense and frequent severe weather events like Hurricane Katrina threaten homes and businesses, not to mention public health and safety. More droughts will harm agriculture.
- Ocean acidification threatens fish supplies.
- Environmental damage from warming is harming national parks. Species that inspired us as children could go extinct.
- Climate surprises: runaway or abrupt climate change would devastate food production.
Is there hope?
Yes. But we've got some work to do. To prevent the worst impacts of climate change, scientists say we need to limit warming to 2°C (3.6°F) by reducing global emissions by 80% by 2050.
Some solutions include.
- Fuel efficient vehicles and energy-efficient buildings that will slash pollution, cut energy bills, and improve health.
- Clean energy that frees us from dependence on dwindling oil supplies and strengthens our national security.
- Forest conservation and organic farming that conserve open space and reduce toxic pesticide use.
What are some policies that counter climate change?
Cap and Trade: Last June, The House of Representatives passed The American Clean Energy and Security Act, which would reduce emissions 17% below 2005 levels by 2020. Companies would receive permits to pollute. If they pollute more than permitted, they have to invest in clean energy, forest protection and other projects to reduce emissions. Some permit proceeds would be returned to citizens to help pay for our transition to clean technologies.
Cap and Dividend: Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) propose a "Cap and Dividend" approach that also includes emissions reduction goals. Funds raised from pollution permits would be returned to the public as a dividend.
Carbon Tax: Companies would pay a tax per ton of carbon emissions. This would not necessarily include an emissions reduction goal, but give companies an economic incentive to reduce the amount of carbon they produce.
Regulation: The Environmental Protection Agency plans to regulate heat-trapping pollution as a threat to our health and environment.
What can we do as individuals?
Lots of things, ranging from lowering your carbon footprint to letting your elected officials know how you feel. HeadCount and the NRDC Action Fund created this website so that American voters an easy and fun way to speak out. Don't miss this opportunity to make your voice heard.
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