What Are They Waiting For?

clipped from ga3.org

Global Worwing FAQ

What is this global warming thing again?

When coal, gas and oil are burned, they produce carbon dioxide that builds up in the atmosphere and traps the sun's heat. Much of this greenhouse gas released today remains in the atmosphere after even 100 years, trapping more and more heat.

So, it's a bit warmer...why does that matter?

Unless we reduce the pollution that causes global warming, temperatures could climb between 2-10 degrees F this century. Such a rapid rise in temperature would fundamentally reshape the planet's climate, forever changing the landscape and water resources people and wildlife depend upon.

For example, polar bears depend on ice to hunt for seals. However the Arctic is melting at a rapid pace, making it harder and harder for the bears to get food.

How will the Climate Security Act reduce global warming pollution?

The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act not only sets specific requirements for reducing global warming pollution, it also sets up how power plants and other big emitters will reach this goal.

Starting within four years, the bill will require a steady reduction in emissions year after year, bringing America's global warming pollution levels to 70% below current levels by the year 2050.

By using a "cap-and-trade" system pioneered under the Clean Air Act, the Climate Security Act sets up a flexible system where businesses that reduce pollution will pay less for tradable emission "allowances." This encourages innovation, advances clean energy technologies and creates millions of "green collar" jobs across America.

Why is this bill so important to protect wildlife?

By slashing global warming pollution, the bill helps slow and stop global warming. Also, the tradable emission allowances from the cap-and-trade system will generate billions of dollars in polluter payments. The government will distribute this money in ways that boost wildlife conservation, help families with their energy bills, bolster technology research and create job opportunities.

Wildlife conservation efforts are facing new threats from global warming. This bill makes an unprecedented investment in protecting wildlife habitat and ensuring wildlife managers and projects get the leg up they need.

Stay tuned to find out how you can help the National Wildlife Federation pass the Climate Security Act!

Wildlife Conservation

Dear Larisa,

"It's the most important wildlife conservation legislation in history," said John Kostyack, NWF's wildlife policy expert.

"Really?" I could see this question in the eyes of many in the room.

Could this new global warming bill--the Climate Security Act--really be as big as the Endangered Species Act...or the Clean Water Act...or the Clean Air Act? How?

"Well," said John, "Global warming has the potential to wipe out all of the conservation victories of the last century."

Endangered wildlife on the road to recovery could face new challenges as global warming alters their habitat and way of life. Waters that we once fought to protect could dry up from extreme drought.

This is why passing the Climate Security Act is the #1 priority for the National Wildlife Federation.

This bill, introduced in the Senate by Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and John Warner (R-VA), will be voted on in the next few months.

Not only does the Climate Security Act take big steps to cut the pollution that causes global warming, it also provides billions of dollars to help wildlife survive a changing climate.

The National Wildlife Federation will be working on all fronts to pass this legislation. And we are going to need your help in getting this done!

Please stay tuned to find out more about the Act and how you can be a part of the campaign. Together we can make a difference and protect America's wildlife and wild places.

Thanks!

Kristin Johnson
Grassroots Mobilization Coordinator
National Wildlife Federation
alerts@nwf.org