2. What makes global warming such an important issue and why should we devote money to funding the prevention of it?
Global warming is important because it involves the whole population and their future. Many people don?t realize that they are experiencing the effects of global warming now. The recent fads of weather that we have been undergoing, last year?s El Nino and this year?s La Nina are examples of the effects from global warming. And the future isn?t any more brighter. America needs to invest in the future. It is for the good of the United States? environment, economy, health, and climate to use energy more efficiently to develop clean alternative sources of electricity and to use more efficient methods of transportation. We must begin to look towards a cleaner, healthier future.
3. At this point in time, what actions are being made to prevent global warming?
Today, action is occurring at every level to lessen, to avoid, and to better understand the risks associated with climate change. Many cities and states across the country have prepared greenhouse gas inspections. And they are also starting programs and policies that will result in greenhouse gas emission reductions.
On the national level, the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) coordinates the world’s most extensive research effort on climate change (EPA). In addition, the Clinton Administration is also involving the private sector, states, and the local level in partnerships based on a “win-win philosophy and aimed at addressing the challenge of global warming while, at the same time, strengthening the economy” (EPA).
And on the global level, countries around the world have shown a firm commitment to toughen international responses to the risks of climate change. The U.S. is working to strengthen international action and to widen participation under the protection of the Framework Convention on Climate Change (EPA).
4. What makes your policies to impede global warming any better than other ones?
The actions that I want to take against global warming are any better than other attempts, but they are the ones I believe will work. There are many extremes, some say, get rid of fossil fuels altogether; while another side might say there is no way there is no way to prevent global warming from occurring without repercussions on the economy. I don?t want extremities, because that is not realistic. The good thing about our government being a democracy is that you don?t swing from one side to another, but instead take things slowly enough so that you can think them through. This is the pattern that I want to follow dealing with global warming. I know it can?t be taken care of in one day, but over a process of time, we can eliminate what is feasible in our hands. My policies are just another step in the right direction towards preventing global warming. I have researched the actions in the past and have seen what works and what doesn?t. These are the policies I believe can be accomplished within reasonable means. Global warming is not going away, and someone needs to take a stand and make it a priority.
5. So you believe that setting standards on fossil fuels and motor vehicles will make a difference?
That is correct, I?m not saying that drastic changes are the solution, but gradual ones. By setting a standard, it subjects the big companies to certain limitations. Setting standards is only one step of many. If the companies can meet the standards, then each year we can continue to lower the standards until new, cleaner energy-efficient technologies are created. There are alternative out there, and they just need to be introduced to the public. It is expected that businesses will burn more coal and emit more pollution than ever as they seek to maximize profits. I?m not trying to hinder their profits but just simply drawing a line in the hopes of trying to save our environment. Rules and laws are created to protect people; by setting standards, I?m just trying to protect the environment and the people in it. As an individual, I am attempting to do my part in the fight against global warming. Global warming is real, and the potential damage in the long run to the world far outweighs any present economical issue. People need to realize we need to deal with it now before it becomes too late to do anything at all.