The Issue


The debate is over. Global warming is already occurring and without significant action to reduce carbon emissions within the next decade, scientists predict that the consequences could be severe and potentially irreversible. Our dependence on fossil fuels is transforming the planet. The Earth has already warmed and there is now more carbon pollution in the atmosphere than at any point in 650,000 years.  If we do nothing, the Earth could warm by several degrees more. 

A 2 degree increase would equal the warmest temperatures in 500,000 years. At that point in time, sea levels were 16 feet higher. Three million years ago, the Earth's temperature was 5 degrees warmer and sea levels were 80 feet higher.Many of the solutions to climate change provide immediate benefits, including energy cost savings, cleaner air and water, and new jobs. Ignoring climate change is not an option. Waiting 10 or 20 years or more to reduce emissions will increase the eventual severity, expense, and likelihood of irreversible losses-a terrible legacy to leave our children and grandchildren

The Consequences
Although life will survive significant increases in temperature, global warming will leave us with a vastly different planet than the one we inherited. The potential consequences of catastrophic global warming include:

  • Increased flooding on coastal regions as sea levels continue to rise. If sea levels rise by 80 feet, more than 50 million Americans would be displaced from their homes.
  • Heat waves will become more frequent and intense. More than 30,000 people died in Western Europe as a result of record high temperatures in 2003.
  • The loss of up to 50% of all species on Earth. Species living at the extremes--the poles or high altitudes--such as the polar bear, are the most vulnerable. But as the oceans warm countless other species also will face extinction.
  • Droughts and wildfires will occur more often, as has been the case with the surge in wildfires across Western U.S. states in recent years.

What Iowa's Climate Will be Like

By 2030, Iowa summers may resemble those of Kansas in terms of average temperature and rainfall.  By the end of the century, Iowa's summer climate will generally be more like that of current northwest Mississippi.  Hotter and drier conditions and potentially more frequent droughts can disrupt agriculture.  For example, four days of soil moisture stress can reduce corn yield by 50 percent.  Milder winters will lead to bigger corn and soybean pest populations and also result in northward shifts of pests currently uncommon in Iowa.  Cities such as Des Moines, Davenport, Sioux City, and smaller cities along rivers are particularly vulnerable to the risks of climate extremes.

The Opportunity
Iowa has the opportunity to lead the nation in solving global warming.  Many of the solutions provide immediate benefits, including energy cost savings, cleaner air and water, and new jobs.  Ignoring climate change is not an option.  Waiting 10 or 20 yeras or more to reduce global warming pollution will incrase the eventual severity, expense, and likelihood of irreversible losses—a terrible legacy to leave our children and grandchildren.

It is time to usher in a new era of energy production and use--one that relies heavily on clean, safe,  alternative energy. Solving global warming will reduce our dependence on oil, strengthen our economy, and protect our planet. But it will not be easy.

Transforming our energy sector away from fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, toward new clean technologies will require a serious commitment. Like all great challenges, it will require bold leadership and a clear vision.

The greatest resource at our disposal is American ingenuity, which political leaders have refused to tap. The federal government continues to ignore existing solutions, like increasing fuel efficiency in our cars or significantly boosting production from renewable energy, which can help move us in the right direction. Even worse, by placing no limit on carbon pollution, we are deepening our dependence on fossil fuels, as investors continue to lack a clear market signal to shift investment to new energy technologies. 

By placing a mandatory limit on carbon pollution, we can send a clear signal that we are committed to ending our dependence on fossil fuels.