America and the world are undergoing both an energy and climate crisis. The LA Times notes that it is not lack of ideas, but rather political paralysis and fear of the risks involved with doing what must be done, that is hampering energy policy solutions. Any effective solution must include requirements for utilities to generate more electricity from renewable energy, mandated limits on the emissions of carbon dioxide, and significant increases in fuel economy. A rapid move to 40-mpg average for fuel efficiency for cars, which is currently at 27.5-mpg, is easily doable, can be further tightened in the future, and is absolutely necessary if both the personal automobile and Earth's climate are to have a future. I would add a modest carbon tax as being equally imperative to solving both crises. If elected officials refuse to lead they should all be thrown out of office.

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A new poll of adults in 30 countries finds that 65 percent think global warming is a very serious problem, while 25 percent call it somewhat serious. Clearly global citizenry is more in touch with climate science and ecological change than their leaders. It is unconscionable that world governments are failing to lead. Not only should the U.S. be condemned (though they and Australia are the worst offenders); but the response from Canada, Europe, Japan, China and India has also been tepid and irresponsible. The possibility of a bottom up climate revolution should not be discarded given this significant level of concern - particularly as the crisis continues to turn deadly. Now it remains to be seen what those expressing concern would be willing to forgo to address the climate crisis.

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European carbon prices are collapsing, wiping out 50 percent of the value of carbon credits over the past week. The EU carbon trading system sets a cap on total carbon dioxide emissions and requires companies to have carbon credits for their emissions. Governments are reporting their actual emission levels for the first time, and it appears that initial carbon emission allocations to member countries were too generous, resulting in a surplus of credits to be traded. The situation illustrates that while carbon markets have a role in addressing climate change, they can be volatile and may have been oversold. More emphasis needs to be given to carbon taxes such as our proposed Lincoln Plan, as well as energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy.

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Ten states have sued the Environmental Protection Agency over its decision not to regulate carbon dioxide pollution as a contributor to global warming. They want the government to require tighter pollution controls on the newest generation of power plants. The cases is expected to rule specifically whether the Clean Air Act can be used to fight global warming. Given the deadly dearth of U.S. federal leadership in response to the climate change crisis, state governments are the last best chance to bring U.S. policy into line with the world. Imagine what would be possible in terms of stopping climate change if the U.S. federal government was not controlled by oil and coal companies.

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A leading U.S. government hurricane researcher has stated, using some of the strongest language yet, that "the hurricanes we are seeing are indeed a direct result of climate change and it's no longer something we'll see in the future, it's happening now." There can be no conclusion other than that much warmer Caribbean waters as a result of human caused greenhouse gas emissions are fueling stronger hurricanes. Predictions regarding the likely impacts of climate change are coming true and one can only wonder whether society and government can avoid reality until it is too late to do anything about the Earth's disintegrating climatic system.

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As virtually all scientists, most of the public and increasingly the media have come to understand that the Earth's climate is perilously threatened, few have captured the gravity of the situation and lead as effectively as Al Gore - a climate hero of long-standing - who is on a veritable one man climate crusade.

The soon to be released An Inconvenient Truth documentary shows Al Gore speaking powerfully and truthfully armed only with a powerpoint presentation. The movie "eloquently weaves the science of global warming with Al Gore's personal history and lifelong commitment to reversing the effects of global climate change. A longtime advocate for the environment, Gore presents a wide array of facts and information in a thoughtful and compelling way. The film is not a story of despair but rather a rallying cry."

This same spirit of inspired leadership is on display in Al Gore's recent essay in Vanity Fair entitled The Moment of Truth. He states that the "climate crisis is, indeed, extremely dangerous, but it also presents unprecedented opportunities." Mr. Gore continues in stirring prose to highlight the dimensions of the problem and the potential for its solution to unite humanity to face this moral, ethical, and spiritual challenge.

An Inconvenient Truth
Trailer (2:30)
Documentary
Rating: PG
In Theatres: May 24th, 2006

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A new study predicts devastating impacts upon biodiversity from climate change [more]. A doubling in atmospheric carbon dioxide is expected to drive tens of thousands of species to extinction in species rich biodiversity hotspots. Another recent study finds that plants cannot appreciably slow down climate change [more]. It is becoming readily apparent that climate change threatens the biological foundation of life and is so dramatic that measures such as tree planting are an inadequate response. There is no substitute for energy conservation and efficiency, renewable energy and dramatic cuts in emissions.

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The good news is that California has moved closer towards mandatory controls on greenhouse gas emissions. The bad is that they are taking a go slow approach that coddles polluting industries and is disproportional to the magnitude of the climate change threat. Proposals to establish a market based system to limit emissions that is able to be adjusted over time is clearly the correct policy prescription, but every day of delay in establishing and implementing such a system is a lost opportunity to reduce the magnitude of the crisis. To half lead with half steps does not solve the problem at all.

Posted by Dr. Glen Barry | Permalink | Comments (2) | More on climate change state policy action

California Governor Schwarzenegger has announced plans to cap carbon dioxide emissions and establish a carbon emission market to help do so. Legislation introduced in the State Assembly would make California the first state to impose limits on the emissions of all greenhouse gases. The bill requires that carbon dioxide and other gas emissions linked to global warming be brought back to the 1990 level - reduced by 145 million tons, or 25 percent less than the current forecast, by 2020.

This dramatically demonstrates that when national leaders founder, it is up to states and individuals to lead, and emissions must be reduced so dramatically that we need to start somewhere now. Congratulations to California.

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Reputable scientists are essentially unanimous in warning that human caused greenhouse gas emissions are leading to climate change disasters such as drastic climate upheavals and severe sea level rises. Key scientists reiterate that stopping or delaying a disintegration of the Earth's climatic system will require bold actions by individuals and the government. Carbon emissions must be slashed, efficiency embraced as a way of living, and renewable energy investments made with all haste. Further, global ecological sustainability will require smaller populations, less consumption and greater connection to and understanding of nature.

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