Wildlife fund director reports on climate change
To the editor:
Florida’s future is in serious trouble, but you would not know it by the outcome of the recent Legislative session. What Governor Crist realizes, and has worked tirelessly to reverse, is that our beaches, coasts, water supply, coral reefs and estuaries are already being harmed by the impacts of climate change. The loss of Florida’s most treasured resources is sure to escalate, taking with it Florida’ drinking water supply and our tourism and marine economy.
The Governor has made reducing Florida’s greenhouse gas emissions a signature priority, setting ambitious emissions reduction targets that are in line with global reductions necessary to avoid a catastrophic collapse of the world’s major ecosystems. In his wisdom, he recognizes urgent action is needed at all levels, long before the political perils of inaction would hold him accountable.
Unfortunately, the Florida House of Representatives would not give consideration to legislation supported by the Governor and passed by the Senate that would begin reversing climate change impacts. While refusing to hear a bill promoting renewable energy development in our state, the House leadership also eliminated the opportunity for Florida to stimulate our economy with an infusion of green jobs and technology.
Underscoring the unwillingness of the Florida House to move positively on the matter is the report on climate change released this week by the White House. More than 18-months in preparation and bridging two Administrations, the non-partisan and scientific report paints a bleak picture for the entire nation, but even more so for Florida and the rest of the Gulf Coast states. Climate change and the lack of a coherent energy policy continue their insidious and now recognizable assaults: rising sea levels and sea temperatures and the corresponding decline of the regions’ coral reefs. What we are already seeing will continue unabated unless immediate steps are taken to influence climate change.
For Floridians, this should be a clarion call to organize and urge swift passage of a comprehensive energy bill on the federal level. House Representative Vern Buchanan should be supported for his recognition of the importance such legislation carries for Southwest Florida and the nation. Our continued reliance on fossil fuels does absolutely nothing to curb the environmental and economic decline being endured right now.
Alternative energy, thoughtful energy consumption and increasing the efficiency of our energy usage provide the keys to a healthier future. In Germany today, approximately 20 percent of that nation’s electricity is generated on solar farms, subsidized through generous tax incentives and underscoring the wisdom of the thinking that spawned them more than 15 years ago. Florida Power & Light will soon begin building three solar energy centers, making Florida the nation’s second largest supplier of utility-generated solar power. There are scores of solar firms around the state, simply awaiting the nod from state or federal leaders to kick the industry into high gear.
Now is the time for aggressive action critical to protecting the world our children will inherit. With all we have at stake, and the state’s legislators appearing unwilling to lead, it is well past time for Congress to move forward.
Go to www.globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific-assessments/us-impacts.
Debbie Harrison is the director of the Florida Program of the World Wildlife Fund, a member of the Florida Energy and Climate Commission and a recipient of the coveted Chevron Conservation Award for decades-long success in building conservation solutions with business and industry.
Debbie Harrison
Tallahassee
Wildlife fund director reports on climate change
To the editor:
Florida’s future is in serious trouble, but you would not know it by the outcome of the recent Legislative session. What Governor Crist realizes, and has worked tirelessly to reverse, is that our beaches, coasts, water supply, coral reefs and estuaries are already being harmed by the impacts of climate change. The loss of Florida’s most treasured resources is sure to escalate, taking with it Florida’ drinking water supply and our tourism and marine economy.
The Governor has made reducing Florida’s greenhouse gas emissions a signature priority, setting ambitious emissions reduction targets that are in line with global reductions necessary to avoid a catastrophic collapse of the world’s major ecosystems. In his wisdom, he recognizes urgent action is needed at all levels, long before the political perils of inaction would hold him accountable.
Unfortunately, the Florida House of Representatives would not give consideration to legislation supported by the Governor and passed by the Senate that would begin reversing climate change impacts. While refusing to hear a bill promoting renewable energy development in our state, the House leadership also eliminated the opportunity for Florida to stimulate our economy with an infusion of green jobs and technology.
Underscoring the unwillingness of the Florida House to move positively on the matter is the report on climate change released this week by the White House. More than 18-months in preparation and bridging two Administrations, the non-partisan and scientific report paints a bleak picture for the entire nation, but even more so for Florida and the rest of the Gulf Coast states. Climate change and the lack of a coherent energy policy continue their insidious and now recognizable assaults: rising sea levels and sea temperatures and the corresponding decline of the regions’ coral reefs. What we are already seeing will continue unabated unless immediate steps are taken to influence climate change.
For Floridians, this should be a clarion call to organize and urge swift passage of a comprehensive energy bill on the federal level. House Representative Vern Buchanan should be supported for his recognition of the importance such legislation carries for Southwest Florida and the nation. Our continued reliance on fossil fuels does absolutely nothing to curb the environmental and economic decline being endured right now.
Alternative energy, thoughtful energy consumption and increasing the efficiency of our energy usage provide the keys to a healthier future. In Germany today, approximately 20 percent of that nation’s electricity is generated on solar farms, subsidized through generous tax incentives and underscoring the wisdom of the thinking that spawned them more than 15 years ago. Florida Power & Light will soon begin building three solar energy centers, making Florida the nation’s second largest supplier of utility-generated solar power. There are scores of solar firms around the state, simply awaiting the nod from state or federal leaders to kick the industry into high gear.
Now is the time for aggressive action critical to protecting the world our children will inherit. With all we have at stake, and the state’s legislators appearing unwilling to lead, it is well past time for Congress to move forward.
Go to www.globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific-assessments/us-impacts.
Debbie Harrison is the director of the Florida Program of the World Wildlife Fund, a member of the Florida Energy and Climate Commission and a recipient of the coveted Chevron Conservation Award for decades-long success in building conservation solutions with business and industry.
Debbie Harrison
Tallahassee