On Feb. 8 the article "Global-warming prevention lacking" was released, and after reading it I couldn't help but feel subtle hint of hopelessness. The article essentially said that despite the small-scale efforts individuals can do to positively effect the environment, we must depend mostly on the government to remedy the destruction humans have created.

I understand that sense of hopelessness was probably not the writer's intention, as the article is both well written and informed. Rather, I believe the article represents a microcosmic view of a larger American disposition regarding the bleak outlook many of us share regarding global warming.

The article concluded with this statement: "The true challenge will be for the state and country to enact a comprehensive plan for controlling climate change before it's too late." But I disagree. For it is this disposition that leaves America at the outside flanks of environmental control.

If a nation places full faith in the government to enact a plan, the citizen's drive to encourage government is lost. Without a drive from the nation, the government sets an issue on the back burner. And on America's back burner is where the global warming issue has been for years.

However, in the recent weeks a major development has taken place in the world with respect to global warming. On Feb. 3 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued an account stating there is a 90 percent chance humans are causing global warming. This report has taken the liberty of making global warming a priority for the government, and we must take it upon ourselves to keep the issue a priority.

The question then becomes how we, as students, can push our government to address the global climate issue and make a substantial difference. Change must begin locally. To the United States government we are just a student body somewhere in Wisconsin, but to the University of Wisconsin Madison, we are their student body. They will listen to us, for without us there is no university.

New buildings are being put up all over campus, dorms included. Is the new Ogg going to be energy efficient? Have we let our administrators know we feel that issue is important?

What about the apartments and houses in the university community? Madison Property Management, JSM, Tallard Apartments, Steve Brown Apartments: are these properties energy efficient? We have the power to demand they use clean energy, florescent lights, and proper insulation. Have we exercised our power? We create their business therefore we are in control.

It starts small. But it gets big. We can get involved with environmental organizations on campus. We can write to the city of Madison and let them know we disapprove of the coal burning plants. Various campaigns are already in effect to make Madison climate neutral in future generations. With civilian action we can make our plans a reality and make Madison a national leader in green technology.

We have the power to bring about change. The "true challenge" will not be to wait for the government to act. The true challenge will be to act as moral citizens of a democratic society and accept the responsibility of rescuing future generations from the atrocities we have imposed. Change is our hope and change is our challenge, but with individual effort change is tangible.

Charlie Berens