U.S. Senators joined with representatives of the G8 + 5 (India, China, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico) on Wednesday to collectively declare their intention to work together in order to address climate change.
“Climate change is a global issue and there is an obligation on us all to take action, in line with our capabilities and historic responsibilities,” said the statement from the Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment (Globe).“ - BBC News
While this informal statement does not bind any nation to take concrete action, it marks a turning point in the discussion. This joint endeavor indicates that all countries involved recognize that they must be involved in the effort to reduce GHG emissions in order to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.
A number of U.S. Senators addressed the forum, including Senators McCain, Lieberman, and Snow. They stressed the importance of the U.S. reengaging in the international process as well as leading with domestic legislation.
The group emphasized the importance of implementing a successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol immediately after it expires in 2012. They suggested that this treaty should be finalized by 2009.
However, if Senator Lieberman is correct, we will have cause to celebrate before 2009. He predicts that Congress will enact federal legislation requiring substantial emission reductions before the current legislative session concludes at the end of 2008.
Senator Snowe’s statement was more pragmatic and warrants a call to arms for the youth climate movement. She said, “We have unquestionably reached scientific critical mass. The question is, now can we gather the political critical mass.” With demonstrations like Step It Up 2007 and the S.O.S. concerts planned, I’m confident we can deliver the goods to the Senators who seem eager to legislate.
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