(Madison)
— Wisconsin Environment thanks the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural
Resources for accepting testimony today in support of the Wisconsin Safe
Climate Act (SB 81).
There is
no more profound a problem we face than global warming. In Wisconsin, average temperatures increased
by 0.7° F during the 20th century, extreme rainfall events have become more
common, the duration of ice cover on Wisconsin lakes has declined, and
springtime events—such as the blooming of plants and the return of migratory
birds—are happening earlier in the year.
Wisconsin
is a significant contributor to global warming. Emissions of carbon
dioxide—the leading greenhouse gas—increased by 25 percent in the state between
1990 and 2004. Were Wisconsin its own country, it would rank 38th in the world
for carbon dioxide emissions, ahead of such nations as Romania, Austria, Sweden
and Israel.
There is
broad scientific consensus that we must work to stabilize global warming
emissions at or below today’s levels by the end of the decade, reduce emissions
by at least 15 to 20 percent by 2020, and reduce emissions by at least 80
percent by 2050.
California,
New Jersey, Hawaii and our neighbors in Minnesota have all acted in a
bi-partisan way to adopt legislation to reduce global warming emissions. A number of other New England and Western
states have formed regional agreements. It is time for Wisconsin to act. We know global warming threatens the natural
character and cultural identity of our state.
Fortunately, we have all the tools necessary to address global warming. And, Wisconsin has the technical know-how and
natural advantages to be able to address the problem and benefit by using more
wind, solar, bio-fuels, as well as maximizing our energy efficiency.
Wisconsin
Environment strongly encourages the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural
Resources to vote to recommend passage of the Wisconsin Safe Climate Act and
for the full Senate to hold a vote on SB81 this session. We look forward to working with all members
of the legislature and the Governor’s office for global warming solutions.
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Wisconsin
Environment is a statewide, non-partisan, non-profit environmental advocacy
organization and is the new home of WISPIRG’s environmental work.
