"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 that 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.
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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.
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Now more than ever, we need President Obama's leadership to stop global warming, and he needs to hear from YOU!
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