Global warming solutions, climate change policy

GLOBAL WARMING SOLUTIONS

The field of climate change policy has blossomed over the last decade or so, as governments come together to find solutions to global warming. Commonly referred to as mitigation, these policies aim to restrict greenhouse gas emissions to prevent future dangerous changes in climate. Many solutions will involve a major shifts in our energy sector, especially a transition from fossil fuels to renewable technologies. Scroll down for information on climate change actions at international, federal, state and local levels.

Altamont Pass Wind Farm

Vast wind farm on the Altamont Pass in California. (Source: The

California Department of Energy)

INTERNATIONAL

Most international global warming negotiations, agreements and research are managed by the United Nations - specifically, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Every year, this body holds international meetings (Conference of Parties - COP) whereby nearly all of the world's nations come together to discuss ways to mitigate global warming. Though these conferences began in 1992, it was not until the 1997 meeting in Kyoto, Japan that all governments were able to agree to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. An historic achievement, the Kyoto Protocol (KP) committed each nation to specific emissions targets, to reach a worldwide goal of 5% below 1990 emission levels by the year 2010 (an overall 29% decrease). It was adopted in 1997 and entered into force (meaning that a sufficient number of countries had signed and would be required by law to meet their goals) in 2005, without the cooperation of the United States or Australia.

Unfortunately, the Kyoto Protocol calls for very tiny steps compared to what will need to be done in the coming decades to stabilize the climate. Under the Bush Administration, the United States has refused to participate in even the modest reductions (7%) assigned to them by the KP.

NATIONAL

The United States - the world's largest consumer of fossil fuels - is responsible for nearly 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In order to have any chance of preventing further climate change, the United States will need to significantly reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions. Although they rejected the Kyoto Protocol, the Bush Administration has offered no method or plan for achieving these goals. In fact, they have hindered most efforts to improve our renewable energy capacity, while bolstering fossil fuel industries. The Pew Center on Global Climate Change has compiled an excellent report on U.S. climate change activities in 2004.

(source: Associated Press)

Two bills in the U.S. Congress represent the only federal climate change policies proposed to date. The Climate Stewardship Act, co-sponsored by Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT), would freeze U.S. emissions in the year 2010 at 2000 levels. The changes would be implemented through a cap and trade system, meaning that companies can buy and sell the right to emit above the restrictions imposed on them. The Climate Stewardship Act was rejected in the senate on June 22, 2005 by a margin of 60 to 38. You can see how your senator voted here.

STATE

California and the Northeastern states have been leading the way in the global warming battle. In June 2005, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued an executive order that would cut state agencies' CO2 emissions 80% by 2050. This order comes in addition to existing global warming programs passed by the legislature, including a 2004 bill limiting vehicle emissions. Governors of six northeastern states have also agreed to a CO2 cap-and-trade system for power plants in the region.

State Actions on Global Warming

Searchable database from Pew Climate; find out what your state is doing!

California Greenhouse Gas Rule

Landmark 2004 rule mandating that automakers to reduce vehicle emissions. It was signed by the governor but may be blocked in court.

EPA State Action Plans Page

Click the map for state global warming mitigation plans

Massachusetts Climate Protection Plan

LOCAL

Initiatives at the local level can make a big cumulative impact on our national greenhouse gas inventory.