SCIENCE AND IMPACTS
International organization's report outlines global warming solutions

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its Working Group III report, "Mitigation of Climate Change," which outlines a variety of solutions to global warming, many of which can be implemented today. The findings also show that inaction now will lead to ballooning costs in the future to address the dangerous impacts of global warming. 

Some key messages from the report:

• If the world reduces global warming emissions to 50 to 80 percent below 2000 levels by mid-century, we can prevent dangerous climate consequences by limiting temperature increase to about 3.6°F above pre-industrial levels. 
  
• We must start reducing global warming emissions now because our actions (or inaction) in the next two to three decades will determine how severe the consequences will be for our children and grandchildren. 
• Technology that can help reduce global warming emissions is available today.
• While solving the problem will require a serious investment, the costs of addressing global warming will be cheaper and much less disruptive than letting the problem get worse.

The report says that aggressive government policies are necessary to promote solutions. Here in the U.S., that's good news—steps to reduce global warming will improve our national security, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, create new economic opportunities, and reduce air pollution.

GOVERNMENT IN ACTION
Minnesota sets a goal for reducing global warming emissions

Thanks to you, the Minnesota House passed legislation that will confront global warming! The bill sets a goal of 80 percent reductions in global warming pollution by 2050.

Now, the bill goes to a conference committee where legislators will work out the differences between the House and Senate versions and craft the version that will be sent to the governor.

For the most up-to-date information on the status of the bill, contact Fresh Energy's J. Drake Hamilton (hamilton@fresh-energy.org; 651-726-7562).

WHAT YOU CAN DO
Urge Minnesota senators to support Sanders-Boxer bill

The Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act (S. 309) is the strongest federal global warming legislation bill to date. Introduced by Sen. Bernard Sanders (D-VT) and now with 17 co-sponsors, the bill sets out a roadmap of targets, requirements, and incentives to reduce U.S. emissions and requires that the U.S. reduce its emissions by 2050 to a level that is 80 percent below 1990 levels—right in line with the IPCC recommendations.

Minnesota senators Coleman and Klobuchar should co-sponsor this bill! The state has a great deal to lose from the impacts of global warming, and the solutions offer unparalleled opportunities: new industry, jobs, and economic activity. Call the offices of Senator Coleman (202-224-5641) and Senator Klobuchar (202-224-3244) with this message: I urge you to co-sponsor the Sanders-Boxer Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act.

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Fresh Energy is a nonprofit organization leading the transition to a clean energy system. One that supports the health of our economies, our people, and our environment while moving us toward energy independence. www.fresh-energy.org