Boston, MA— Environment Massachusetts joined with Chairman Smizik (D-Brookline) Representative Brownsberger (D-Belmont) and other members of the state legislature to release a new report, Global Warming Solutions that Work, which details more than 20 examples of cutting-edge policies and practices that communities, states and countries are using to reduce global warming pollution. The State House is currently debating strict global warming limits, which will encourage these types of actions in an effort to slash emissions.
For the United States to make the emission reductions science tells us will be necessary – cutting emissions by at least 15-20 percent by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050 – will require major changes in many areas of America’s economy, from the increased use of clean, renewable energy to dramatic improvements in the efficiency with which we use energy in our homes, businesses and vehicles. But solutions exist today that can get us much of the way there. And communities across the country – and around the globe – are making those solutions a reality.
"This report shows us the concrete steps that Massachusetts can take to reduce our global warming pollution, strengthen our communities and save people money on their energy bills,” said Chairman Garrett Bradley (D-Hingham). "I look forward to working with my colleagues in the house to pass the global warming solutions act and start implementing these solutions across the commonwealth."
From rising sea levels along the East Coast, to more intense hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, to increased drought and water shortages in the Southeast and West, global warming will leave no corner of America unaffected unless the United States takes serious action soon.
“Global warming is the defining challenge of our time,” said Ben Wright, global warming advocate for Environment Massachusetts. “The latest climate science tells us that we must reduce its emissions of global warming pollutants quickly and dramatically if we hope to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of global warming.”
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change made clear in its seminal report last year that that we must reduce our emissions of global warming pollutants quickly and dramatically in order to avoid the most catastrophic, long-term effects of global warming. Specifically, the most important task of any U.S. effort to address global warming must be to produce significant domestic emission reductions as soon as possible.
“Steep reductions in global warming pollution are challenging but achievable,” noted Wright, “and we already have the energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies we need to get started.”
The Energy bill now in conference committee would be a major step towards implementing some of these solutions here in the Commonwealth. Increasing Energy efficiency and providing consumers incentives to start small-scale renewable energy projects for their homes and business are exactly the kinds of things we need to do to be reducing emissions here in Massachusetts.
"It is absolutely imperative that elected officials and members of the community work together to create practical solutions to global warming," said Representative Alice Wolf (D-Cambridge). "Ambitious statewide and local initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions--such as the Cambridge Energy Alliance--are already underway, but we need reports such as this to help us coordinate our efforts and build on our progress."
Cities and states across America are achieving impressive results in the fight against global warming. For example, Southeastern Pennsylvania saw a 20 percent increase in the number of riders on energy efficient trains linking Harrisburg and Philadelphia following investments that increased travel speeds along the line. A similar 20 percent ridership jump occurred on the Northeast’s Acela high-speed train line.
"This report shows that there are some real, concrete things that that can be done at the local level to combat global warming." Said Representative Pam Richardson (D-Framingham).
"With the consequences of climate change becoming increasingly obvious, each of us must take action to curb global warming pollution, and our city and state governments must also adopt laws to reduce emissions," said Rep. Marty Walz.(D-Boston) "This report gives specific examples of what we should do to help protect our planet."
The report’s authors concluded that cities, states and the federal government should build upon the successes of the efforts outlined in the report by setting mandatory, science-based caps on global warming pollution, adopting strong clean energy policies, and investing in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
"This report shows that cities and towns across the country are doing their part to reduce pollution.” Said Mayor Lukes of Worcester. “Here in Worcester, we've worked with the Community Development Corporation to install solar panels on our low income housing, have switched to energy efficient light bulbs in city buildings and our new North High School will be a LEED certifiable building; but more needs to be done. By passing the Global Warming Solutions Act, leaders on Beacon Hill will make it easier for cities across the commonwealth to put in place bold, common sense solutions to global warming that clean our air and save our residents money on their energy bills."
The report recommended that governments at all levels take actions to reduce global warming pollution including:
• Individual states and the federal government should adopt mandatory, science-based caps on global warming pollution. At minimum, those caps should be consistent with a national goal of reducing emissions by 15-20 percent below today’s levels by 2020 and by at least 80 percent below today’s levels by 2050. Revenues from any program that puts a price on global warming pollution should be used to aid in the transition to a clean energy economy and to reduce the cost of emission reductions to consumers.
• Cities, states and the federal government should make energy efficiency improvements and accelerated development of renewable energy the centerpiece of their environmental and economic development policies. Advanced building energy codes; strong energy efficiency standards for buildings, appliances and vehicles; and mandatory targets for renewable power generation and energy efficiency savings are among the policies that can reduce global warming pollution and put the nation on a clean energy path.
• Global warming and fossil fuel dependence should become central considerations in land-use planning and public sector investment decisions. America should increase its investment in public transportation and rail transportation to reduce emissions from transportation. All new public buildings should meet rigorous standards for energy efficiency and the use of clean energy.
“Only bold, science-based action can stave off catastrophic effects of global warming,” said Wright. “We strongly urge the state house to pass the Global Warming Solutions Act.”
“The Commonwealth has the opportunity to become a leader and an example in encouraging innovative long-term efforts,” said Representative Tim Toomey (D-Cambridge). “Our growing coalition of concerned citizens, legislators, and organizations feel a sense of urgency to implement practical solutions to combat climate change.”
Global-Warming-Solutions-that-Work.pdf