The League believes that now is the time to act on global climate
change. We can reduce global warming pollution by using existing
technologies to make power plants and factories more efficient, make
cars go farther on a gallon of gasoline, and shift to cleaner
technologies.
A Climate Change Task Force was established in response to the LWVUS board designating climate change as a priority for advocacy. While the LWVUS suppports efforts to mitigate climate change, many of the issues within this broad category need discussion and explanation. The task force was charged with researching and writing substantive supporting materials (background papers) for the LWVUS position on climate change.
Climate Change Background Papers
Economic Effects Of Not Taking Action On Climate Change
by By Pamela W. Person
This paper examines the economic costs of
not taking action on climate change. The analysis includes a discussion
on direct economic damages as well as an assessment of compliance
costs, the lost opportunities for growth, and the current and future
costs to citizens, businesses and governments. Do A Little. Change a Lot: A Biographical Sketch on Energy by Donna Ewing
“DO A LITTLE, CHANGE A LOT” is a program to guide citizens of Northern
Scotland in their efforts to reduce an individual’s or a family’s
carbon footprint. Coal--The Great Hope, The False Promise Or A Disaster In The Making?
by Chad Tolman
It is cheap and readily available in many parts of the world; it can reduce oil
imports and fuel economies in developing countries. However, it accounts for much of the emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxides, mercury,
particulate matter, and carbon dioxide in the world today.
Cities Take Action to Curb Global Warming by Win Colwill
In 1993, the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)
Local Governments for Sustainability launched its Cities for Climate Protection
program, calling on local governments worldwide to reduce their greenhouse gas
(GHG) Water--Let's Use This Precious Resource Wisely! by Eleanor Revelle
Steps individuals can take to reduce water usage indoors and make good use of rainwater outside.
Curbing Greenhouse Gas Emissions — Two Approaches by Eleanor Revelle (LWVIL and LWVUS Climate Change Task Force Member) Facing the growing evidence that burning fossil fuels is contributing
significantly to global climate change, policymakers are evaluating strategies
for reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. They have two general approaches to
consider.
Carbon Offsets: A Cautionary Tale by Eleanor Revelle (LWVIL and LWVUS Climate Change Task Force Member)
The voluntary carbon offset market is booming. Dozens of companies are ready
to help eco-conscious consumers compensate for their personal carbon emissions
by contributing to projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere. The State of Climate Change - What We Know and What We Don't"
Video of Convention 2008's panel is available online. The panel featured V. (Ram) Ramanathan, Victor Alderson Professor of Applied Ocean Sciences and Distinguished Professor of Climate and Atmosphere Sciences, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC-San Diego, and Heather Kaplan, Senior Policy Advisor on Climate Change, Oxfam America. The discussion covered a review of our state of knowledge on climate change as well as its impact on the developing world. LWVUS Fact Sheets on Climate Change Available
The League has released two one-page fact sheets on climate change. Click here for the key elements in an effective cap and trade system. Click here for reasons why the United States must support aggressive action on reducing greenhouse gases.
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