| April 26, 2005 |  |
California Scientists Issue Global Warming Warning
Challenge Governor & Legislature to Take Action
Sacramento, CA—Today, nearly 500 scientists from around the state called on Governor Schwarzenegger and California Legislators to aggressively reduce the state's global warming emissions. Their letter, published in the Sacramento Bee today, warned that climate change threatens California's future and said that the state has a "unique opportunity to play a leadership role."
Nearly 40 of the signers joined a "Climate Education Day" in Sacramento to brief legislators on the projected impacts of global warming in their districts, including the potential for increased pollution, water shortages, agricultural losses and public health threats.
"Today, experts from every relevant discipline stand together with an urgent call to action," said UCLA Professor Suzanne Paulson, who spoke at a press conference on the steps of the California Capitol. "The choices we make today will influence our climate for decades to come."
In the letter reprinted in the Sacramento Bee, preeminent scientists with climate-related expertise from leading scientific and educational institutions across the state applauded steps taken by the state to date. But they also urged the Governor and Legislature to move faster and more forcefully to curb global warming emissions. The scientists called on California to continue its leadership role noting, "When California leads, others follow." For example, eight states and Canada are poised to follow California's path in reducing global warming emissions from motor vehicle tailpipes.
"The price of ignoring global warming could be staggering, while there are very real economic rewards for addressing it now," said Dr. Michael Hanemann, an economist from UC Berkeley. "Climate action can save consumers money and strengthen the competitive position of California businesses."
As one of the largest economies in the world and the most populous state in the nation, California is a significant emitter of global warming gases, ranking among the top 10 global warming polluting economies in the world. "California alone cannot stabilize the earth's climate, but we are a key part of the solution," said Dan Kalb, California Policy Coordinator for the Union of Concerned Scientists. "There are important measures that our governor and legislators can enact today that both reduce emissions and lower costs."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
