Thursday, July 29, 2010

In Case of Emergency, Break Glass

Alright, so a comprehensive climate change and clean energy bill is all but dead in 2010 and, depending on your mindset, for the foreseeable future. Despite my cynical and pessimistic exterior, I'm an optimist at heart and hold out hope for progress even at some point this year. I know, call me crazy.

So why the optimism, you might ask? Because I have to believe that logic and the moral obligation to act will win out the day. Right now, we have a House bill that passed in the the Summer of 2009 and multiple Senate options including, but not limited to, the the American Power Act (APA). The problem - they're hitting a political glass ceiling.

But now, right now, is the time to break the glass. Multiple reports this year have highlighted the link between human activity and global warming, the associated impacts, and our increased exposure to risk. The latest came out yesterday from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Its "State of the Climate 2009" report makes very clear that global warming is undeniable and we need to begin reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions now.

There are obvious challenges in moving toward a low carbon, sustainable economy. But the alternative is simply not something we are going to be able to handle.

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