The Badger Herald

NEWS

Global warming pollution ‘skyrocketing’

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by Pedro Oliveira Jr.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Wisconsin's global warming pollution increased by 25 percent over the last 15 years, according to a report released Thursday by a Madison political action group.

The increase is 7 percent higher than the national average for fossil fuel consumption between 1990 and 2005, the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group reported.

"Global warming pollution is skyrocketing in Wisconsin just as scientists are sounding alarms that we must rapidly reduce pollution to protect future generations," said Dan Kohler, state director of WISPIRG. "Given the risks from global warming, it's incredibly irresponsible for Wisconsin's global warming pollution to increase."

WISPIRG based its new analysis on a report announced less than a week ago by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It outlined current and projected impacts of global warming, including the increase of drought, flooding, heat waves, water stress, forest fires and coastal flooding.

Everything, according to the report, could be "avoided, reduced or delayed" by quickly reducing global warming pollution.

State Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, said Wisconsin officials need to find ways to be more energy-efficient so the state may diminish the amount of carbon burned to produce energy.

Kohler agreed with Black and stressed the importance of investing in alternative energy solutions to cut the increase of carbon emission. Kohler also said Wisconsin has all the capabilities and resources to use renewable energy sources.

"We have the technology at our fingertips to cut global warming pollution and forge a cleaner, more secure energy future," Kohler added. "Wisconsin is uniquely positioned to address global warming pollution and benefit by using homegrown, renewable energy technologies — such as agricultural biofuels, wind and solar power — as well as by using energy more efficiently."

Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle recently created a global warming task force to more closely address climate change.

"When it comes to global warming solutions, Wisconsin will lead the way," Doyle said in a statement.

WISPIRG and other local organizations are promoting a march to the state Capitol tomorrow as part of a national movement — 1,300 rallies nationwide — to urge Congress to reduce global warming pollution.

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