Newswise — Looking ahead to the U.N. Climate Change Conference that begins next week, a diverse chorus of elected officials and citizens are speaking out to assure the international community that Americans are moving global warming solutions forward, despite the lack of White House leadership.
"The other U.S.A. will be with the world in Bali," said Larry Schweiger, president and CEO, National Wildlife Federation. "Despite a cold shoulder from the White House, delegates in Bali should know that from coast to coast, Americans are responding to the urgent need to reduce global warming pollution."
"We represent millions of Americans who want to leave a healthy planet for their children—where people and wildlife are not threatened by global warming. We will not sit idly by when the world's scientists predict catastrophic flooding, heat waves and global warming refugees by the millions. We will not sit idly by when 20-30 percent of the world's plant and animal life are threatened with extinction because of global warming."
"America can lead the world in solving the global warming crisis, and it is long past time that we took up this moral challenge," said Martin Luther King III, chairman and CEO, Realizing the Dream. "I am filled with hope. Every generation has had to tackle threats of magnitudes that are almost unimaginable to us today." "We know we must do what's right for America and what's right for the world," added Larry Schweiger. "Momentum to provide global warming solutions is surging—from city, state and regional levels to the U.S. Congress."
More than a dozen states across the U.S. have set targets to cut global warming pollution. For example, in Florida, Governor Charlie Crist said in a press statement that his executive orders to cut global warming pollution provide "the moral leadership" to preserve Florida's natural environment.
"Growth in American driving habits and related emissions tell us that to contain climate change we as a country must get out of our cars—and on to buses, bicycles and sidewalks," said King County (in Washington state) Executive Ron Sims, who recently testified at the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on strategies to reduce transportation emissions. "King County and other regional transit agencies of the United States are therefore on the front lines of investing in critical climate change solutions."
"With Seattle leading the way, more than 720 American cities have pledged to reduce carbon pollution," said Seattle (in Washington state) Mayor Greg Nickels. "Our experience shows what can be done on a local level, but we need the federal government to share our commitment and sense of urgency. Cities are moving forward like there isn't a moment to waste. So, too, must our partners in the other Washington."
Global warming solutions can contribute to local economies and provide global benefits. "The research and development of these alternative technologies will create good jobs at a time when traditional factories are closing down," said Jerome Ringo, president, the Apollo Alliance, a coalition of labor, environmental, national security, civil rights and business leaders. "Our leaders need the vision, investment and political will to chart a new course for a clean energy future."
"Climate change is a human rights and environmental justice issue," said Pat Spears, a leader among indigenous people in the U.S. He is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and president, Intertribal Council on Utility Policy. "Wind energy generated on Tribal lands can supply one-quarter of U.S. energy needs. Tribes have the vast wind resources to build sustainable renewable energy economies and demonstrate actions that reduce global warming pollution. We want to use the gift and power of the wind to sustain our communities."
"We cannot afford to lose momentum in the international arena because the White House is out of step with the rest of America," said Larry Schweiger. "There are many of us in the United States that are committed to ensuring that our country moves from being a global laggard to being a global leader in reducing global warming. We have a moral responsibility to do everything we can to reduce global warming pollution."
The National Wildlife Federation inspires Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future.
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