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 Global warming is a social issue that presents, individually and collectively, grave problems and greater opportunities. It means necessary change: the question becomes, do we ignore or minimize the problems, and watch our landscapes, economies and quality of life alter and erode; or do we make proactive changes in our energy choices and technologies, thereby creating economic opportunity, more sustainable local ecosystems, and a more peaceful, equitable world for our children? Clean Air-Cool Planet is working to help the Northeast lead the way in demonstrating both the need for, and benefits of, global warming solutions.
The first signs of global warming surround us already, affecting humans and wildlife throughout the Northeast. Some of the major regional indicators that we will continue to see exacerbated until we change our energy systems and thus halt global warming include the following:
- Shorter, warmer winters worsen conditions for skiing, skating, ice fishing, and other outdoor winter activities, affecting tourist and recreation-oriented economies like those of many Northeast communities. Read more…
- Rising sea levels, due to ocean thermal expansion and melting ice caps, threaten coastal property—affecting real estate markets (and insurance rates/availability), landscapes and recreation areas. Read more…
- Human health risks grow more prevalent, as fossil fuels burned in vehicles and power plants cause more pollution-induced asthma, and a changing climate makes it easier for disease-bearing insects (ticks, mosquitoes) to spread and reproduce. Read more...
- Forest health declines, threatening various forest industries. Sugar maples—and the vibrant fall foliage and delicious maple syrup they produce—are highly vulnerable to prolonged warmer temperatures. Read more about forest impacts or maples...
- Wildlife habitats depended upon by songbirds and other species are transformed, degraded or destroyed. Read more…
For the latest information about some of the impacts and indicators of continued global warming on our region, check out CA-CP’s Science and Policy page.
For additional in-depth studies or analyses, try our Reports and Fact Sheets page or for more background, check out our Informational Links.
Energy makes our human world go around, yet our most common sources for making electricity and powering our cars are outdated, dirty and dangerous. The harmful excess of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere from burning fossil fuels is not a “necessary evil;” we already have the technological power to do better, and untapped potential for even more innovation. By maximizing efficiency (reducing demand) and altering our generation capacities (changing the supply pool), we in the Northeast have much to gain:
- Resource stability: As we reduce our energy demand and switch to more modern sources, we can power our homes, offices, and automobiles with minimal pollution to cause oil spills, nuclear meltdowns, hazardous waste, smog, acid rain, or global warming. The resources we depend on, such as water and agricultural capability, will thus remain abundant and available to us, and our world will be more stable and healthy.
- Reliable, consistent power for everyday needs. Blackouts like that of August 2003 are virtually impossible if we use energy means that are local and renewable. Sources such as wind and solar can be generated at more dispersed locations, making them less prone to sabotage, more readily available to rural residents, and cheaper for everyone!
- Economic benefit: Energy efficiency is an obvious way to save money and improve the bottom line, as businesses across the Northeast have shown. And, according to a 2000 economic study, shifting New England toward advanced energy technologies would increase employment here by more than 41,000 jobs by 2010, boosting the regional economy and helping us gain a competitive energy development edge.
- Energy independence: A combination of reduced energy dependence and clean, local energy generation reduces the need for complicated political deal-making, expensive purchasing from foreign sources, or military expenditure (of capital or troops) toward protection of foreign energy resource interests. That makes us more secure and free.
- Improved health and quality of life: Moving toward clean energy sources will better protect our health and reap billions of dollars in health care savings. It will also protect the landscapes and ecosystems that make our region unique, beautiful and livable.
How do we secure these benefits of an energy systems transition for ourselves, our communities and our children? Through our everyday choices and actions, and through helping to catalyze institutional change, we can turn the problem of global warming into an opportunity for greater personal and collective well-being. |
