It's Time to Stop Global Warming<=
o:p>
Citizens' Climate Policy: A State=
ment of Principles
Global warming is one=
of the most serious threats to our environment, our health and our economy=
. The most recent scientific studies prove that global warming is here now =
and is already causing environmental changes that will have significant eco=
nomic and social impacts.
The good news is that=
if we act now, and act decisively, we can stop the worst effects of global=
warming. We can reduce global warming pollution by using existing technolo=
gies to make power plants and factories more efficient, make cars go farthe=
r on a gallon of gasoline, and shift to cleaner technologies, such as hybri=
ds, cleanly-produced bio-fuels, and wind and solar power. Cities, states an=
d individuals are already adopting many of these solutions, which also redu=
ce our dependence on oil, reduce air pollution, and protect pristine places=
from oil drilling and mining. State and local initiatives are proving that=
answers exist.
To reinforce and expa=
nd on those efforts, we need federal action that triggers solutions on a na=
tional scale. U.S. businesses can and should lead the world in developing n=
ew energy technologies, but most aren't going to without the guidance of ma=
ndatory limits.
A federal limit on gl=
obal warming pollution that meets the following principles is the responsib=
le way to ensure that we protect our environment for ourselves, our childre=
n, and future generations.
1. Guarantee global warming pollution reductions, with e=
nforceable deadlines.
Scientists say that we must begin to significantly reduce our emissions f=
rom today's levels in the next 10 years and cut them by 60-80% by 2050 if w=
e are to avert the worst consequences of global warming. Coal-fired power p=
lants are the largest single source of global warming pollution. Cars, truc=
ks and SUVs run a close second. Pollution from these sources is rising.
2. Promote clean and efficient sources of energy.=
We can start using a number of low- and zero-pollution options immediatel=
y. The cleanest, fastest, and safest way to move away from dangerous source=
s of energy is to use energy more efficiently in our homes and vehicles. En=
ergy efficiency reduces pollution and saves consumers money. Renewable ener=
gies like wind, solar and cleanly-produced bio-fuels reduce pollution, redu=
ce reliance on oil and create new economic opportunities for farmers and sm=
all businesses.
3. Immediate action is required. If we wait, it will be =
too late.
We must begin to significantly reduce our emissions within 10 years if we=
are to limit global warming to 3.6° Fahrenheit and avoid the most dang=
erous impacts of global warming. The window of opportunity is closing, and =
the time for action is now.
In 2005 the U.S. Sena=
te recognized that global warming is real and that the time had come for st=
rong federal policy. As the impacts of global warming become more pervasive=
, it is clear that we cannot afford more delay. Our health and environment =
demand it.
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