We must do more to accelerate solutions to climate change
Climate change should be the subject of a robust national dialogue about the best strategies for solutions, write William Ruckelshaus and K.C. Golden. Politics should stop at reality's edge.
Photo courtesy of NASA Visible Earth
THERE'S plenty of room for philosophical and political debate about climate change. How should we respond? What are the right roles for business, government, and local communities? How can we deliver effective, fair solutions in tough economic times?
Climate change should be the subject of a robust dialogue about the best strategies for solutions. But the existence and urgency of human-caused climate change is no longer a legitimate subject of disagreement. Politics should stop at reality's edge.
We know — beyond any reasonable doubt — that we have a serious problem on our hands. We know how human activities contribute to it, and we know a great deal about how to respond — more than enough to act. While national and international leaders have struggled to come to grips with the problem, our states, businesses and communities are rolling up their sleeves to pioneer solutions.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson visits Seattle Friday and Saturday. She has demonstrated that responsible regulation can drive innovation, improve environmental performance and strengthen the economy.
