Jennifer Small » Professional Portfolio

This week, global warming was hot on the political scene. Though the articles were fleeting on major networks, if you had one eye open, it was evident that something was stirring about environmental issues.

Released May 29th, 2008, the Scientific Assessment of the Effects of Global Change on the United States, a 271-page report complied by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP), concluded that global warming is, “very likely due to human-generated increases in greenhouse gas concentrations.” No surprise there. This report specifically looks at changes in climate in the United States. From trend analysis, to the culmination of past and present research, it explains “key findings” due to global warming, and predicts future results if action is not taken to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

Also this week, debate began in Congress over The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008 which proposes to cut emissions 19% below 2005 levels by 2020, and 63% below 2005 levels by 2050. Opponents point out that this legislation will raise already strained electric and gas prices, while supporters of the Lieberman-Warner Act say that the long-term price of not taking action now could eventually cost Americans a hefty price in the trillions because of the effect of global warming on gross domestic product (GDP)deterioration. Unfortunately, current polls show that a majority of weary consumers are more interested in economic relief from raising gas prices and a sluggish economy then investing in environmental change at this point.

Rep. Edward Markey’s Investing in Climate Action and Protection (iCAP) bill will be revealed to the House of Representatives this week as well. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is backing Markey’s bill because of the revenue it would generate by reprimanding polluters with a monetary penalty, which in turn would be spent to create ‘green’ jobs and help ease low-income families costs associated with transitioning to green energy.

It is evident that becoming a green nation is on the agenda, but how long it will take to get there is still in question. Though these initiatives do not please everyone, the positive outcome is scientific information that can, and will, be used to change our nation’s future. Everyone is in agreement that research and our understanding of environmental issues, and their future consequences, has improved and that action is necessarily inevitable.

To view the The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008 you can download this PDF:
The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008

This blog was originally written May 29th 2008. The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008 never became law.