IPCC Report Shows It Is Time To Take Action - John Kerry

[Mass]

http://blog.thehill.com/2007/02/03/ipcc-report-shows-it-is-time-to-take-action/

A report published today by more than 600 climate scientists from over 100 countries offered the most conclusive evidence to date that global warming is real and that manmade pollution is causing it. The stakes have never been clearer. The threat we face is dire, and there is no time to waste.

That is why Olympia Snowe and I have reintroduced the most comprehensive, aggressive bipartisan anti-global warming bill to date. “The Global Warming Reduction Act” sets forceful greenhouse gas emissions targets that leading scientists say are the best way to keep temperatures below the danger point.

Specifically, our bill establishes an economy-wide cap and trade program to freeze carbon dioxide emissions by 2010 and then cut them 65% by 2050 from 2000 emission levels. Our plan uses tax incentives and increased research funding to protect affected workers, communities, companies, and consumers from energy cost shocks as we transition to a green economy.

Under this President, America is moving dangerously backward on the environment, but there are bright spots all across this country. My wife Teresa and I have written a book, This Moment on Earth, to shine the spotlight on today’s environmental crisis and also on the Americans who are fighting to make a difference.

...

[karynnj]

1. I really can't wait to see their book

I like the approach that he seems to be taking, which is one of really looking at what needs to be done and simultaneously looking for ways to help those people and companies that would pay an undo burden in the type of rapid shift needed.

This seems to parallel his foreign policy approach where he looks to find ways that make a sensible path in the interest of all stakeholders.

[MH1]

2. More about the book - this is great -

From the San Juan Basin to the Gulf of Mexico to the South Bronx, from mothers on Cape Cod to Colorado ranchers, we found a vibrant coalition of people and communities deploying ingenuity, technology, and sheer will power to save the world they know and love. Alongside our research and personal reflections, we’ve tried to chronicle Profiles in Courage among the new environmentalists. Our book also features a how-to guide for readers who want to get involved.

I'm looking forward to seeing that how-to guide.

Also, I am wondering who is profiled in the book. There are a great many people working hard to find ways to stave off environmental destruction - it must have been a challenge to winnow the field down to just a relative few who could be included in the book.

Remember the Christmas cards this year? "Cradle to cradle" design? I have a hunch that the founder of that design philosophy might be one of those featured in the book.

http://www.mbdc.com/c2c_home.htm

(of course, many people have been talking about this sort of design approach for a long time - mostly in the context of "why don't 'they'...". The guy(s)/gal(s) who had the smarts and ingenuity, and took the risks, to try to make it work economically, definitely deserve the major credit.)

[MH1]

3. More about William McDonough

(I am so sure this guy will be in the book...)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/26/AR2005082601888.html

Environmental architect William McDonough made a powerful case for a "new industrial revolution" when he planted a living roof in 2002 atop Ford's sprawling, grime-choked River Rouge truck plant in Dearborn, Mich. The feat of green design is said to have saved the beleaguered carmaker $35 million in environmental cleanup costs. Birds now lay eggs in the flourishing 10-acre blanket of sedum, which cleans runoff naturally.

On Wednesday, the visionary from Charlottesville made an even stronger argument for change with a little yellow rubber ducky.

In a speech to the Industrial Designers Society of America, which is meeting at the Marriott Wardman Park through Saturday, McDonough noted that in California, the $2.99 bath toy comes with a warning. Toxic chemicals in that sweet, squishy body have been known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

"What kind of society would make something like this to put in the mouths of children?" McDonough demanded. "Design is the first signal of human intention. What is your intention?"

No designer rose to defend the duck.

(read more at the link)

His home page: http://www.mcdonough.com/full.htm

[ProSense]

5. Fascinating stuff.

You should add this to the global warming thread over at the JK blog.

[kerrygoddess]

4. This was great.

I have a couple of posts about this and JK & THK's book here:

http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=5239
http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=5240