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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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POLAR EXPLORER WILL STEGER INSPIRES LEGISLATIVE ACTION ON GLOBAL WARMING
ST. PAUL – Members of the Minnesota House and Senate, including Rochester Representatives Tina Liebling, Kim Norton, and Andy Welti, met in the House Chamber Tuesday for a presentation on global warming delivered by Will Steger, a polar explorer and Minnesota native. Also speaking at the event were Archbishop Harry J. Flynn of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, the Reverend Craig E. Johnson, Bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and several climate experts from the University of Minnesota. The presentation was a joint effort of eight committees that deal with issues of environment, energy, and transportation.
This historic event focused on the conclusive evidence that global warming exists and is endangering our very way of life around the world, this nation, and at home in Minnesota. Presenters stressed the importance of acting before climate change becomes irreversible, pointing to a new report by a panel sponsored by the United Nations. A draft of the report, issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, predicted that the Earth's temperature could rise as much as ten degrees over the next 100 years. Even more devastating, the report noted that it would take over 1,000 years to reverse the damage done during the next century.
"We need to act now to combat global warming and its effects on our environment," said Rep. Kim Norton. "The economic and environmental future of our state depends on our actions today in a common effort to find alternative sources of energy that will reduce carbon emissions and set Minnesota on course to be a leader in the fight against global warming."
If global warming continues at its current rate, the damage to Minnesota's natural resources would be devastating. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency predicts that global warming could completely destroy the boreal forests of the Boundary Waters, dramatically lower lake levels across the state, decrease ice cover during the winter, and threaten waterfowl populations.
"There is a lot we can do as a legislature to solve this ongoing problem," said Rep. Tina Liebling. "Taking the lead on renewable energy standards is a good first step for Minnesota. By doing so, we can put Minnesota on the cutting edge of new energy industries that will bring jobs and economic growth to our state."
Part of the presentation focused on the need for transportation reform in our state and its potential positive impact in the fight against global warming. Transportation accounts for about 34% of carbon emissions, making a significant source of greenhouse gas. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, transportation is the single largest contributor of greenhouse gases in our state.
In Rep. Andy Welti's words, "The fight against global warming requires our attention to transportation reform and investment in alternative fuels that will provide clean alternatives and energy security for Minnesota commuters."
Whatever solutions the Minnesota Legislature pursues this session the fact remains that if they do not act quickly, the opportunity to address the global warming crisis may pass. 2006 was the warmest year on record in the United States and the globe shows no sign of cooling. Inspired by Will Steger and other presenters on Tuesday, that is something that Minnesota legislators intend to change this session.
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