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Wednesday, November 28, 2007


Reality: Time to step it up on global warming



By Mike Carberry
Guest Opinion 

The jury is no longer out. The science is not junk. The reality is frightening.

It doesn't matter if you call it "global warming," "climate change" or my favorite, "global climate disruption." Four points have become increasingly clear:

. Global warming is real.

. Global warming is largely due to man-made causes.

. Global warming is deadly serious.

. We need to do something about global warming.

My intention is not to discuss the first three points but to address global warming solutions. The time for talk has ended and it's time to "Step It Up" on global warming.

Worldwide problem

Global warming is a worldwide problem that in the long run far surpasses the threat we face with the global war on terror. Solutions to this problem are needed at every level of society in every country of the world. The heaviest weight, however, must be carried by the United States. Our country has fewer than 5 percent of the world's population yet produces more than 25 percent of the world's greenhouse gases. It is our consumer lifestyle that has led us into this predicament and it is our moral imperative to lead the world to the solutions.

Global warming is such a massive problem that it will require solutions from our homes, schools, businesses, industries, cities, counties, state and federal government. We truly need to "Step It Up" on every level, or we will not get to the 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 that scientists insist we need to avert the catastrophic effects of global warming.

When we are attacking the global warming problem, we need to have a four-point strategy to accomplish our goal of greenhouse gas reduction:

. a carbon footprint audit.

. a plan for greenhouse gas reduction.

. implementation of the plan.

. ongoing monitoring and tweaking of the plan.

We can't have a roadmap of where we need to go unless we know where we are now and a plan to get to our destination. This strategy can work at all the relevant levels where we are fighting these battles.

Local solutions

In our homes, we should start stepping it up by getting a free energy audit from our local utility. This will tell us where our energy use is and where we can save energy. Less energy use is always a win-win situation. Saving energy saves money to the end user and alleviates the need to produce the energy in the first place.

In Iowa, almost 80 percent of our electricity is produced using dirty burning coal. There are many ways to reduce our energy consumption in our homes such as changing incandescent light bulbs to compact florescent light bulbs, washing clothes in cold water or line drying clothes instead of using the dryer. The most important thing is to try to make an attempt to lower your carbon footprint. Many of these changes won't even seriously impact your quality of life but can put a serious dent in your greenhouse gas emissions.

In our businesses and industries, we also need those carbon audits to point us in the right directions for carbon reduction. Green building and retrofitting are two great ways for these two sectors to "Step It Up." There are also great energy savings potentials in our cities and counties. Again, green building comes into the picture along with green fleets that include vehicles that are hybrids, electric, flex fuel or bio-diesel. Methane recovery from sewage systems and landfills both creates renewable energy and prevents those greenhouse gases from being released in the first place.

Government solutions

Iowa is a leader in renewable energy. Our state leaders have done a great job in the recent past on this issue but still can "Step It Up" by passing more legislation that encourages energy efficiency, promotes renewable energy and puts a moratorium on all new coal plants. Contacting these state leaders and asking them to "Step It Up" is a vital cog in creating global warming solutions.

Big problems require big solutions and this issue begs for big solutions. It is to the U.S. Congress and the president that we must turn to for these solutions. Raising our auto fleet miles per gallon standard to more than 40 miles per gallon would be a great first step. Renewable energy standards and a carbon cap, auction and trade system would be others. This problem needs national and international leadership that only Congress and the president can provide.

The United States led the world into this mess, and it is our moral imperative to lead the world out of it. The next time your congressman or a presidential candidate is campaigning in the state, ask them how they are stepping it up on global warming? It may be the best way for you to "Step It Up."


Mike Carberry is the chairman of the Iowa City area group Sierra Club, a board member for the Iowa Renewable Energy Association and the regional field director for IowaGlobalWarming.org. 




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