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Global Warming - An Inconvenient Truth
The Club is updating its energy policies and mounting a campaign against global warming. You can read all about it at www.SierraClub.org/GlobalWarming.
Global climate change can occur in natural cycles; however, research demonstrates that it is increased by emissions of human-generated greenhouse gases (GHG). These emissions (of which 80% is carbon dioxide) include methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor, and are thickening our atmosphere, which traps outgoing reflected infrared solar radiation and causes warming.
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) indicate that the GHG sources in California are: Transportation (primarily automobiles) 41%; Industrial 23%; Electricity generation 20%; Agriculture 8%; Residential 5%; and, Commercial 3%. Deforestation also increases warming because there are not enough trees to sequester the GHGs.
The International Panel on Climate Change has projected warming of 2° to 10° F by the year 2100. Impacts, some of which are already occurring, include:
• Sea level rise of 2 to 3 feet (and with melting of the ice in the Arctic, Antarctic and Greenland it could rise 15 to 20 feet).
• Reduction of snow pack by 30 to 90%.
• Increased energy demand up to 20%.
• Loss of forests from an increase in wildfires and wildlife losses.
• Major losses in agricultural yields.
• Increased periods of extreme heat, with severe health affects.
• Worsening of air quality, especially health damaging ozone levels.
• Higher ocean temperatures causing more intense storms and flooding.
Efforts to reduce emissions include:
• The 1997 United Nations Kyoto Accords, wherein 132 industrialized nations pledged to lower emissions below 1990 levels by 2050. Only Australia and the U.S. declined. The Bush administration has stated that the negative economic impacts of emission reductions are excessive.
• The California Governors Climate Action Team 2006 (CAT) report commits to reduce emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
• In 2004, California passed AB 1493 requiring new automobiles to have 80% lower emissions by 2050. Manufacturers are suing to block this law.
• Proposed AB 32 requires stationary sources to reduce emissions to meet the CAT goals. Business and industry strongly oppose this bill.
• The Mayor of Sacramento has signed a pledge, along with over 400 other mayors, to reduce emissions to below the Kyoto requirements.
• Actions include lower emission vehicles, reduction in automobile travel, more public transit, communities that are walkable, bikeable and transit oriented; low emissions energy sources; energy efficient buildings and industries, including white roofs; and water conservation.
• Individuals should conserve energy with efficient homes (insulation and white roofs) and appliances, compact fluorescent light-bulbs, low water use toilets and washers, water efficient landscaping, higher mileage vehicles, reduced driving, more use of public transit and walking and biking.
Additional information is available in many publications and web sites; such as, www.ClimateChange.ca.gov; www.ClimateCrisis.net; and www.ucsusa.org. The movie and book, An Inconvenient Truth with former Vice President Al Gore provides an excellent overview. The Sierra Club is pushing for the passage of AB 32 and all members are encouraged to urge your legislator and the governor to support this vital legislation.
by Rick Bettis, Conservation Chair, Sacramento Group