Climate Destruction Ahead
"It is imperative that developed world leaders do not fail again
in Pittsburgh. They must put money on the table to support
developing countries" said Damon Moglen, Greenpeace USA's global
warming campaign director. "It is also critical for G20 leaders
agree to kick-start economic recovery through clean energy
investment. Both of these elements are vital to achieve a good deal
in Copenhagen and avert catastrophic climate change."
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Nail biting as Greenpeace activists are hanging from bridge in
Pittsburgh
Greenpeace activists are
hanging off a Pittsburgh bridge with a massive banner displaying
our message to G20 leaders gathering for tomorrow's summit. The
banner takes the form of stylized "road sign" that warns of the
political maneuvering and delay that have put a international
climate treaty in jeopardy as the world enters the final stretch on
the road to Copenhagen.
Hear from the Activists
Saving the Environment and the
Economy
World financial representatives and leaders of the G20 (19 of
the world's largest national economies, plus the European Union)
are meeting in Pittsburgh to discuss both the global financial
crisis and the global climate crisis.
At this meeting President Obama, Chancellor Merkel, President
Sarkozy and other G20 leaders will have an opportunity to
kick-start growth and put us on a path to stopping global warming
by agreeing to invest in clean, cutting edge technologies for the
future. Global prosperity is not in conflict with preserving the
environment--in fact, our prosperity depends on it. The decisions
our leaders make at this meeting will help to decide whether we
create millions of green jobs or face ecological and social
collapse.
Global Warming Affects the Economy,
Stupid
Already, the price tag of global warming on our economy is
staggering. Today, global warming costs the world's economies $125
billion per year, according to the Global Humanitarian Forum. Given
the predicted impacts--and the associated costs-- of climate
change, we simply can't afford not to tackle global
warming.
We can use this economic crisis as an opportunity to invest in
our future. By massively increasing energy efficiency and
investing in renewable, sustainable energy sources like solar and
wind power, world leaders will stimulate their economies, create
jobs, promote sustainable growth and address the climate crisis.
But failing to do so would be more than a missed opportunity--it
could spell disaster for our planet.
Moving in the Right Direction
The United States has already begun investing in green
solutions. There's at least $78 billion included in the stimulus
package passed earlier this year that is being invested in energy
efficiency, renewable energy and other measures to fight global
warming. An additional $7 billion is to be invested in other
environmental improvement measures.
This is a great start. G20 leaders should follow suit and the
US should continue to make these types of sound investments.
Unfortunately, though, it's not enough. To avoid the catastrophes
that will accompany runaway climate change, countries must make
major cuts to global warming pollution, shifting quickly to a
sustainable energy economy.
Shaping our Future
Science clearly tells us that only dramatic action can prevent
global warming and its catastrophic impacts--and the world is
looking to Barack Obama to lead the way. Scientists say that if
industrialized countries like the US reduce their global warming
pollution by 25-40% (below 1990 levels) in the next decade, we may
still be able to pass on a safe climate to our children. But time
is running out.
Take Action
Now more than ever, we need President Obama's leadership to stop
global warming, and he needs to hear from YOU!
https://secure3.convio.net/gpeace/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=519
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