Global Warming

Every generation faces its historical challenge and is defined by how it responds. For all of humanity alive today that challenge is the crisis we call "Global Warming."  Thousands of studies have made it clear that Global Warming is not only real, but ultimately is the result of human activity through greenhouse gas emissions which come from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas.  Most of the greenhouse gas pollution is produced by generating electricity or by vehicles.

 

A new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council illustrates how sea level rise and stronger hurricanes resulting from global warming put New Orleans in harm's way. New Orleans city officials have recognized the problem since even before Hurricane Katrina.  Read more about this problem in the new report here.
 

 

Global Warming and Hurricane Katrina

We are already experiencing some serious affects of Global Warming, including stronger hurricanes.  The work of hurricane expert Dr. Kerry Emanuel indicates that Global Warming provided the extra margin of energy that gave Hurricane Katrina enough power to break the levees in New Orleans. (Read more)

 

New (January 2010): 10 tips on global warming compiled by the Environmental Defense Fund

 

Solutions

Solutions exist to this crisis, but we have to act now and act decisively.  There is only one sure way to turn the crisis around and head toward a safe path: drastically cut fossil fuel use. We have waited so long to act, that now we are forced to cut deeper and faster than we would like.  The solutions to the problem of greenhouse gas emissions promoted by the Alliance for Affordable Energy include:

  1. Energy efficiency, using the model of the Energy Smart program passed by the New Orleans City Council in June of 2008. The least expensive power is the power that we do not use! The least polluting- including greenhouse gas pollution- is the power we do not generate.
  2. A shift to clean, renewable energy.  First, the establishment of Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) at the local, state and national levels, wherein utility companies will be required to sell a certain percentage of their electricity as power that is produced from clean, renewable sources.  Second, an expansion of on-site  solar power, both solar electric and solar hot water heating.
  3. Innovative infrastructure improvements, such as the Smart Grid and environmentally sensitive new transmssion lines.  These will allow for greater energy efficiency in transmission and a free movement of power from renewable sources.
  4. Mass transit that works for everyone. Clean transportation that takes people where they need to go when they need to get there without the obnoxious costs and pollution of so many cars.
  5. Building codes that support energy efficiency and reflect 21st century thinking about energy use. As much as 30% of greenhouse gas pollution is associated with the built environment.

As part of our work to fight Global Warming, the Alliance for Affordable Energy opposes the building of any new coal power plants and the conversion of any existing power plants to burn coal.  Along with our partners the Sierra Club, Louisiana Environmental Action Network and the Gulf Restoration Network, the Alliance is a proud member of the Say Yes To Clean Energy, Say No To New Coal Coalition.

The best part of all of this is that a societal shift to energy efficiency and renewable energy will create large numbers of good-paying “green” jobs, tackling two of our greatest problems at once.

It is going to take all of us to act in time to avert the worst effects of global warming.  And lifestyle changes alone won’t do it- the changes we need will require political action by determined citizens.  To get involved in the Alliance for Affordable Energy’s work to fight Global Warming and restore our future, contact Alliance volunteer coordinater Matt Sweeney at volunteer@all4energy.org.

Be part of the future.  Be part of the solution.  Be part of the movement. 

Join Us.  

For up to date news and information on the war of ideas, see http://www.realclimate.org