Pittsburgh, United States — Greenpeace activists rappelled off of a Pittsburgh bridge with a massive banner displaying our message to G20 leaders gathering for tomorrow’s summit. The banner takes the form of stylized “road sign” that warns of the political maneuvering and delay that have put a international climate treaty in jeopardy as the world enters the final stretch on the road to Copenhagen.
“It is imperative that developed world leaders do not fail again in Pittsburgh. They must put money on the table to support developing countries” said Damon Moglen, Greenpeace USA’s global warming campaign director. “It is also critical for G20 leaders agree to kick-start economic recovery through clean energy investment. Both of these elements are vital to achieve a good deal in Copenhagen and avert catastrophic climate change.”
Saving the Environment and the Economy
World financial representatives and leaders of the G20 (19 of the world’s largest national economies, plus the European Union) are meeting in Pittsburgh to discuss both the global financial crisis and the global climate crisis.
At this meeting President Obama, Chancellor Merkel, President Sarkozy and other G20 leaders will have an opportunity to kick-start growth and put us on a path to stopping global warming by agreeing to invest in clean, cutting edge technologies for the future. Global prosperity is not in conflict with preserving the environment–in fact, our prosperity depends on it. The decisions our leaders make at this meeting will help to decide whether we create millions of green jobs or face ecological and social collapse.
Global Warming Affects the Economy, Stupid
Already, the price tag of global warming on our economy is staggering. Today, global warming costs the world’s economies $125 billion per year, according to the Global Humanitarian Forum. Given the predicted impacts–and the associated costs– of climate change, we simply can’t afford not to tackle global warming.
We can use this economic crisis as an opportunity to invest in our future. By massively increasing energy efficiency and investing in renewable, sustainable energy sources like solar and wind power, world leaders will stimulate their economies, create jobs, promote sustainable growth and address the climate crisis. But failing to do so would be more than a missed opportunity–it could spell disaster for our planet.
Moving in the Right Direction
The United States has already begun investing in green solutions. There’s at least $78 billion included in the stimulus package passed earlier this year that is being invested in energy efficiency, renewable energy and other measures to fight global warming. An additional $7 billion is to be invested in other environmental improvement measures.
This is a great start. G20 leaders should follow suit and the US should continue to make these types of sound investments. Unfortunately, though, it’s not enough. To avoid the catastrophes that will accompany runaway climate change, countries must make major cuts to global warming pollution, shifting quickly to a sustainable energy economy.
Shaping our Future
Science clearly tells us that only dramatic action can prevent global warming and its catastrophic impacts–and the world is looking to Barack Obama to lead the way. Scientists say that if industrialized countries like the US reduce their global warming pollution by 25-40% (below 1990 levels) in the next decade, we may still be able to pass on a safe climate to our children. But time is running out.
Take Action
Now more than ever, we need President Obama’s leadership to stop global warming, and he needs to hear from YOU!
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Makes me wonder…
Was that entire sign made from recycled material? Is it biodegradable? Are the inks made from natural non toxic inks? When you are done with the sign, how are you going to dispose of it? How many fossils fuels did you burn getting to pittsburgh in the first place?
Very scary for us watching. We hope that those that got arrested are out? What is happening with them?
World need to siege the last chance for economic growth !!
1. About two thirds of deficit in the U.S. accrue from oil import.
In this economy, fuel price is hovering around $65 to $75 a barrel, which highlights the actual value might be much the same as the peak price last year, and it will continue to spiral up unquestionably.
2. As with “Inaction” cost, $9trillion over the next decade in Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, supposedly the same is of inaction on the 21st energy bill to determine war & peace, catastrophe & prosperity. For the global economy to reign in the runaway price of fossil fuels, “Sustainable Option” will be indispensable.
3. Looking to worthless, painful and wasteful oil wars, namely, the “Original Source” of this great recession, to waste time bickering over meaningless things and drag feet on a defining energy bill are sure to shake the embryonic effect of stimulus package that is an interim measure for build-out of a new foundation.
4. As the overall oil reserve in Middle East, let alone the rest of oil-producing areas, is on the decline more than known, the region blessed with affluent sun rays also needs to ready for a new groundwork, particularly in this context AEU is beginning to concentrate on future energy and Iranian EV is rolling out recently, the countries in the region will never stand still on the occupation, that means no matter what the result is, the repetitious mistake at the cost of invaluable lives and gigantic spending will end up with a heartbreaking tragedy once again.
5. Facing a sharp downturn in fossil fuels all over the world, the world-wide overpopulation growing consistently is using up tremendous fossil fuels at an alarming pace. Especially when the own conventional resources in some dense countries is facing drastic dent, it adds up explicitly.
6. For that reason, it is widely accepted that the price of fossil fuels is expected to go up and up simply, which is behind all but major states taking a bold and speedy action in a bid to put the global economy on a sustainable and solid ground.
7. Thankfully and interestingly enough, 100s of Companies (with $13 Trillion) Are Demanding Strong Climate Deal in Copenhagen just like environmental activists, a coalition of more than 500 Global Businesses is also demanding ambitious new climate deal, and the report by Blair and the Climate Group, a London-based nonprofit organization, found a climate-change accord among all countries would spur economic growth and create as many as 10 million jobs by 2020.
8. Currently, a 21st energy bill has passed the House and is making its way through Senate. According to CBO, this bill known as more progressive generally would trim budget deficit by $24.4 billion of a net gain.
9. I think the world is eagerly looking forward to Americans’ participation, and if it were not for world-wide massive job creation, the world can not pull the economy out of this recession successfully.
10. I’d say only science and innovation can meet this challenge, and the science enough for all around the globe to live in harmony is awaiting final assembly by way of innovation. It seems to me that this great recession is pitching us a serious lesson to make sure we build a bridge for future generations, otherwise, our generation, too, is falling off the cliff.
Thank You !
Even letting the debate continue, when our species may hang in the balance, says something about us. I argue that there is a certain presumptuousness surrounding our approach to how we are addressing global warming that goes well beyond simply having a short-term perspective. What if the cockroach has a more sustainable position? I recommend the following post: http://euandus3.wordpress.com/2009/11/05/climatic-presumption-what-is-the-forecast/