With the “leaked email scandal” from last week that many climate change opponents have turned to as “proof” that scientists have been falsifying, exaggerating, or just plain lying about climate change data, I think it is important to reflect on just how proven human induced climate change is.
If you aren’t convinced by the scientific bodies such as the IPCC, NOAA and the EPA (who finalized its endangerment finding to kick off the COP-15), then perhaps you would prefer to hear from some lesser known “climate science acknowledgers.”
First up at bat, who can forget our former President George W. Bush, a climate change denier for years, when he finally admitted that the effects were real and man-made and that we need to “take this issue seriously“.
And then there is the U.S. Military (support our troops), which is spending lots of defense dollars trying to figure out how to best protect our national security in the face of climate change. The affects from storm intensity, sea level rise, and temperature fluctuations present a number of very expensive challenges and complications to our men and women in uniform.
But the list does not stop there:
Let’s see what big oil is saying?
Exxon Mobil has stated “we have discontinued contributions to several public policy research groups whose position on climate change diverted attention from the important discussion on how the world will secure the energy required for economic growth in an environmentally responsible manner.” Additionally, they claim to be committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Shell has also acknowledged that the science is correct and that “[e]fforts to manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must be speeded up despite the recession.” Finally, B.P. states that “BP accepts the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that global warming is unequivocal and ‘very likely’ due to human activity.” They have also commited to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions by focusing more on biofuels and solar.
Greenwashing or not, they ALL acknowledge the reality. So as we sit here in Copenhagen, we know that the time really is now. Despite the poll from CNN that indicates there are still many Americans who just don’t get it – who shift their views of science based on current politics or the economy – the facts remain. We are changing our climate with each and every carbon emission. Even Exxon can see that!
love the post lily!!! not an ounce of sarcasm anywhere in your words… not an ounce!