Have your say about global warming
Here's your opportunity to have a little influence -- or at least express your views -- on the US policy toward climate change, or global warming.
Congress has asked the National Academies to detail America's Climate Choices. Beginning with a two-day conference that ends today, they will be working with top-notch scientists and the public during the coming months to answer these questions, among others:
- What short-term actions can be taken to respond effectively to climate change?
- What promising long-term strategies, investments, and opportunities could be pursued to respond to climate change?
- What are the major scientific and technological advances needed to better understand and respond effectively to climate change?
- What are the major impediments to responding effectively to climate change, and what can be done to overcome these impediments?
Through April 17, everyone has the opportunity to provide input to the committee. Send questions and comments to to ACCInput-main@nas.edu. "You can suggest questions you hope the study will address or submit literature or opinion pieces you would like considered during the study process," the invitation says.
"Submissions are limited to three attachments (size limit 2MB) and must include a summary (500 word maximum) of the materials provided and their importance to the America's Climate Choices Study."
You may also submit e-mail feedback to four panels:
- Panel on Limiting the Magnitude of Future Climate Change
- Panel on Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change
- Panel on Advancing the Science of Climate Change
- Panel on Informing Effective Decisions and Actions Related to Climate Change
This is especially timely since The New York Times reported this morning that "two senior House Democrats will unveil a 600-page draft global warming and energy bill today that they hope will prompt an intense round of internal negotiations, culminating with passage out of the Energy and Commerce Committee before June."
In The Wall Street Journal's Environmental Capital blog, Keith Johnson calls the bill "opening salvo in what will be one of the biggest battles on the Hill."
So that's another way to be heard -- by contacting your elected representatives.
