| 3/28/2007 9:06:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | 2-percent solution for global warming
Guest Opinion
by Carl Pope
As former Senator and Vice President Al Gore repeated during his recent triumphant return to Capitol Hill, global warming is not only the greatest environmental challenge of our generation, but of generations to come.
We've all seen the news reports about melting glaciers, suffering polar bears and the other effects of warming we're starting to experience.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed when confronted with the very serious consequences awaiting us and future generations, as outlined in numerous reports. Fortunately, we have the technology to tackle global warming. It's merely a matter of everyone stepping up and doing his or her part.
In a move last week that should have reverberations across the country, a power company in Kansas City entered a binding contract with the Sierra Club to entirely offset carbon dioxide emissions (a major source of global warming pollution) from a new coal-fired power plant.
The company also committed to unprecedented investments in renewables, such as wind power and energy efficiency, and to work to change utility regulations in Kansas and Missouri to ensure that by 2020, Kansas City Power and Light reduces its emissions of carbon dioxide by 20 percent.
The agreement represents a new standard for utilities and sends a strong signal the coal rush is beginning to slow. The agreement is a win for environments, for the company and for residents of the area. It's the latest sign smart solutions such as wind power and energy efficiency are gathering momentum and popularity - and make economic sense.
The good news is we can prevent the most catastrophic effects of warming if we reduce our carbon emissions by 2 percent each year through 2050 - this is achievable when individuals, government and businesses work together. And the news gets even better, because creating technology and new industries to tackle the challenge will create more jobs and boost the economy.
Solving global warming will certainly require action at the federal level. However, there are many ways we all can be part of the "2 percent solution."
More and more cities and states throughout the country are also moving quickly to be part of the solution. Several Western states in addition to a group of Northeastern states have agreed to implement mandatory reductions in carbon emissions.
At the local level, more than 400 mayors are taking the lead in fighting global warming by signing the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement.
They are greening their city fleets with hybrids and other highly efficient vehicles - cutting carbon emissions and fuel bills. They are also working to make sure green power from sources like wind and solar is available and that government buildings are designed (or upgraded) to use energy as efficiently as possible.
Being part of the "2 percent solution" can start at home. It may sound like a cliché to some, but simply replacing your old-fashioned incandescent bulbs with modern, energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs can make a big difference.
Not only do they last longer, but their highly efficient design means you'll spend less on energy every month. If every family in America changed five light bulbs, it would be like taking 8 million cars off the road.
Making sure you buy the most energy-efficient appliances - everything from TVs to dishwashers to air conditioners - will also shrink your carbon footprint right along with your energy bills.
And while upgrading your cars, appliances, and things like the windows in your house are certainly not as easy as changing a light bulb, federal, state, and local governments offer thousands in tax incentives to help offset the initial cost of many such investments.
Finally, you can help fight global warming at home by making sure the power you use comes from clean, renewable sources like wind and solar. Most utilities offer green power alternatives. By purchasing green power, you'll be reducing your carbon footprint and helping jumpstart development of renewable energy resources.
Earth Day, April 22, is not far away. By working together to be a part of the "2 percent solution," we can make sure the next generation will have as beautiful a day in 2050.
Carl Pope is executive director of Sierra Club, America's oldest grassroots environmental organization. Column distributed by MinutemanMedia.org.
|
Article Comment Submission Form
|
