Climate Change/Global Warming
There is now strong consensus among scientists that significant global warming is occurring and that most of it can be attributed to human activities (IPCC 2007). The evidence comes from direct measurements of rising surface air temperatures, subsurface ocean temperatures, increases in average global sea levels, retreating glaciers, and changes to many other physical and biological systems. This warming has already led to changes in the Earth's climate.
Carbon dioxide levels have increased from 280 parts per million (ppm) in 1750 to over 375 ppm today – higher than any previous levels that can be reliably measured (i.e. in the last 420,000 years). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projected that the average global surface temperatures will continue to increase to between 1.4 centigrade degrees and 5.8 centigrade degrees above 1990 levels, by 2100.
As the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recognizes, a lack of full scientific certainty about some aspects of climate change is not a reason for delaying an immediate response. Even if greenhouse gas emissions were stabilized instantly at today’s levels, the climate would still continue to change as it adapts to the increased emission of recent decades. Further changes in climate are therefore unavoidable throughout the 21st century and beyond. Action taken now to reduce significantly the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can only lessen the magnitude and rate of climate change.
The task of devising and implementing strategies to adapt to the consequences of climate change will require worldwide collaborative inputs from a wide range of experts, including physical and natural scientists, engineers, social scientists, medical scientists, those in the humanities, business leaders and economists.
Put your Knowledge to Action! The American Clean Energy and Security Act (aka Waxman/Markey Climate Bill) is expected to go to the House floor as early as this Friday, June 26th. Tell your Representative that we need this passed now!
This week, your Representative has the opportunity to pass a bill to help create a clean energy economy, curb global warming pollution, and generate thousands of green jobs. This is America’s chance to turn the tide on carbon dioxide emissions and slow the devastating impact climates that will change all of our lives.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act places new limits on global warming pollution and a value to its elimination. It mandates that our country produce more electricity from renewable energies like wind and solar and commits to using energy more efficiently.
Climate change is happening now and the carbon we have already put in the atmosphere will continue to impact us for many many years to come. But, if we cap our emissions now and shift to a clean energy economy, we can protect both nature and people for the long term. Action now would provide business the certainty it needs to invest in low carbon technology, and give President Obama the soapbox he needs to lead global negotiations in Copenhagen in December.
Your Congressperson's vote is crucial to ensure a clean energy future – Speak up now!!
Use this link to contact Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Use this link to contact your House Representative (and you are in Florida)
Use this link to contact your House Representative (and you are not from Florida)
**In Florida, this is especially important if you live in the district of Reps. Boyd (D), Buchanan (R), Grayson (D), Kosmas (D), Putnam (R), Rooney, (R) and Ros-Lehtinen (R). In each case, these are either Democrats leaning toward a no vote or Republicans leaving the door open with a glimmer of hope for a yes vote. We need each of these votes!