Nation needs to move forward on renewable energy.

A sobering report that shows Antarctic glaciers are melting faster than anyone previously believed possible is the latest reminder that human-caused global warming is real, that its effects are being felt around the globe, and that action to mitigate its impact cannot be put on hold while the world’s governments deal with an economic crisis.

President Barack Obama favors a cap-and-trade plan to limit the total carbon dioxide emitted in this country. His budget includes billions for research to produce and distribute energy technologies that generate little or no carbon emissions, the biggest cause of climate change. And the stimulus package approved by Congress last month includes money for renewable-

energy projects. The cost will be high, but the cost of doing nothing would be far higher.

Obama believes, and we agree, that the nation must move away from fossil fuels that pollute our air, warm the climate, and cause extreme weather and rising seas. California should be out in front on this change.

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change told members of Congress this past week that we have about six years at the current rate of carbon emissions before we pass a point of no return, when many of the dangerous side effects of global warming cannot be prevented.

Under Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, there must be a shift away from fossil fuels to renewables such as solar and wind power that are naturally and economically suited for the West.

Join the Conversation



blog comments powered by Disqus