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| Projected global warming emissions (click on image for full size). |
What’s New
More than 100 members of Congress have already cosponsored the Safe Climate Act, a science-based bill to dramatically reduce U.S. global warming pollution. Introduced in late June by Congressman Henry Waxman, the bill requires the U.S. to reduce its global warming pollution by about 15% by 2020 and by 80% by 2050. To achieve these targets, the bill calls for improved energy efficiency and a greater reliance on clean, renewable energy sources.
A recent U.S. PIRG report, called Rising to the Challenge, provides a blueprint for reducing U.S. global warming emissions by nearly 20% by 2020 by taking six steps to boost energy efficiency and renewable energy. More.
How You Can Help
Call your representative urging him or her to cosponsor the Safe Climate Act, legislation that will reduce global warming pollution nationwide to levels necessary to prevent the worst impacts of global warming.
Summary
More and more Americans are becoming concerned about global warming. As power plants and cars spew out more global warming pollution, we will see rising sea levels along the Eastern seaboard, more intense storms in the Gulf, droughts in the West, and more dangerous heat waves across the country.
The good news is that if we act now and act decisively we can stop global warming and protect our children and future generations.
Unfortunately, the Bush administration is refusing to act, but we don’t have time to waste. The longer we wait, the more global warming pollution builds up in the atmosphere – and the worse the effects will be.
That is why PIRG is urging Congress to reject ineffectual proposals and set science-based targets for reducing global warming pollution from power plants, cars, and other sources. More.
Resources
Rising to the Challenge: Six Steps to Cut Global Warming Pollution in the United States
Carbon Boom: National and State Trends in Carbon Dioxide Pollution Since 1960
The Climate and Economy Insurance Act: An Environmental Critique
Ten-State Clean Cars Standards to Cut Global Warming Emissions
Pollution on the Rise
In The News
Schwarzenegger Signs Sweeping Global Warming Bill, Associated Press 9/27/06
U.S. Blocked Hurricane Report, Journal Says, Associated Press 9/26/06
Study Warns of Rapid Rise in Earth’s Temperature, Wall Street Journal 9/26/06
Royal Society Tells Exxon: Stop Funding Climate Change Denial, The Guardian 9/20/06
In The States
In addition to U.S. PIRG's work at the federal level, state PIRGs and student PIRGs are working all across the country to stop global warming pollution at the state and local level. Featured state campaigns include:
Campus Climate Challenge
Stopping global warming will require nothing less than a complete transformation of our economy and society. As centers of innovation, education and activism, college campuses have long been a driving force in large-scale social change. The Student PIRGs are leading the way, transforming our campuses and challenging our leaders to wake up to the challenge.
Stopping Global Warming Starts In Massachusetts
While President Bush and Congress delay, the states are taking action now to stop global warming pollution. MASSPIRG is leading a regional effort of ten northeastern states working together to solve this problem.
