Fixing the Climate at Home - and in Copenhagen

This December, the international community will meet in Copenhagen to forge a new climate agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. I recently met with Xie Zhenhua, China's lead climate negotiator, who helped me understand just how much is at stake. Xie outlined the steps China was willing to take to address global warming, but he also made it clear that the United States must make a commitment to lower its own emissions if China is to join an international framework.

Fortunately, President Barack Obama is demonstrating bold leadership on clean energy and climate, and the world has taken notice. But even with progress in the White House, the United States won’t be able to address global warming without decisive action from Congress. Representatives Henry Waxman and Ed Markey have offered a good starting point with their draft of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, but serious hurdles remain. Back in the spring, I met with Energy Secretary Steven Chu after he testified at a hearing of the House Committee on Science and Technology. Chu, a Nobel laureate and former head of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, had welcomed the chance to discuss the latest climate data with lawmakers. But after his testimony, two members of the committee proclaimed that they did not believe in the science of global warming. Chu seemed stunned. Instead of working to advance science, these lawmakers were closing their eyes to it.

Chu's experience illustrates some of the challenges that lie ahead. Getting a rigorous climate bill through Congress will require sustained, relentless advocacy from environmental groups, business leaders, and concerned citizens alike. That means urging your representatives to act decisively as soon as possible. The benefits will not only be environmental; in a down economy, a law that drives clean energy investment could also be the next engine for growth. As we weatherize our homes, assemble more efficient cars, build a smart electric grid, and lay down public transit systems, our nation can mobilize millions of workers.

But in the end, much depends on Copenhagen. We have only a few months to pass a law here at home that will establish the United States as an international leader in the fight against the devastating threats of climate change. This is our first, most urgent priority at NRDC. We hope you will join us and visit nrdc.org to learn how you can help.

Frances Beinecke
President