Gore says "changing light bulbs" not enough - Reuters

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Gore says "changing light bulbs" not enough
Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:39am EST

By Ben Hirschler

DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - Climate campaigner Al Gore
urged world policymakers on Thursday to change laws "not
just light bulbs" in tackling global warming, and a UN
official said world market turmoil must not be allowed to
delay action.

-snip-

Gore, in a swipe at U.S. President George W. Bush's
environmental record, said the election of a new president
in November could only bring an improvement.

"In addition to changing the light bulbs, it is far more
important to change the laws and to change the treaty
obligations that nations have," Gore told delegates, in
apparent reference to what he sees as the Bush
administration's reluctance to initiate legislation on
environmental control.

"Whoever is elected is going to have a different position
and a better position. But let's be clear: whoever the
leaders are, this issue is going to be dealt with responsibly
and effectively only when there is a sufficient degree of
urgency on the part of the people themselves."

-snip-

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSL2490201820080124

[Kira]

1. That is why he should have ran for president.

It isn't enough to just change a light bulb. We need our President to be focused on climate change and that is the only position in this world that can really make a difference in the fight against global warming. I love Al but was deeply disappointed that he didn't run.

[patch1234]

2. Gore wants ... what laws to be changed? n/t

[DCKit]

3. New laws, as well as targeted funding and tax breaks...

for conservation, alternative energy installation, research and implementation.

The Republicon model, where only manufacturers get "paid" isn't working. We need tax breaks, rebates and other incentives to get solar electric, solar thermal, CHP and the other proven technologies into (and onto) homes. California's incentives are incredible.

[hunter]

4. We could start by banning new coal plants and shutting down existing ones.

Otherwise it doesn't matter how much solar or wind power we install, it will feed the further "growth" of our insatiable consumer society.