The
loudest alarm ever over global warming was sounded on Sunday by an international
team of scientists. Climate change caused by burning fossil fuels has
accelerated to the point that the only chance of keeping the world’s temperature
below a dangerous level may be to end all greenhouse gas emissions by the end of
this century, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
said. The report issued in Copenhagen said climate change already is affecting
life on every continent and in rising oceans.
"Science has spoken. There
is no ambiguity in their message. Leaders must act. Time is not on our side,"
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.
“The scientific community across
the world is sounding the alarm. Climate change is real and it will have
devastating consequences around the globe unless we act boldly and decisively,”
said Sen. Bernie Sanders, a member of the Senate environment and energy
committees.
Sanders has proposed a fee on carbon and methane emissions.
The measure is cosponsored by Sen. Barbara Boxer, chairman of the Senate
Environment and Public Works Committee. Their bill would help create millions of
jobs transforming the U.S. energy system away from fossil fuels to sustainable
energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass. Another Sanders bill
would end tax breaks and subsidies for oil and coal companies. A companion
measure in the House is sponsored by Rep. Keith Ellison.
Both ideas are
backed by scientists and leading economists but blocked by Republicans in
Congress. “Many Republicans now respond to the crisis of climate change by
saying they are not scientists and therefore have no opinion,” Sanders said.
“Well, most of them are not doctors but they respect doctors’ opinions on cancer
and heart disease. Most of them are not generals but they respect the opinions
of our military leaders. It’s time for them to respect the views of the
scientific community on climate change.” |
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