Global Warming / Does the U.S. need to "go green" as a whole?

Question

Why is the government waiting for massive proof or evidence of global warming to surface before they do much about it? The U.S. government is only going to start going green if other countries do it too, because if we're the only ones, along with a few other countries, they don't think it'll make that much of a difference. I'm not sure if it's real. I'm kinda skeptical, but why can't they take precautionary measures in case it's real??? Where I live, we've seen major climate changes this year. It's 20 to 40 degrees less than normal and it's raining practically every day during the summer. Any opinions?

Answer 1

Our country is one of the most influential, so I think we do need to "go green" a bit more, within reason. Basically, we should continue on the path we're headed towards now, and eventually other countries will follow. Regardless of global warming, we need to treat the environment better anyway. I think things will work out.

Answer 2

Well, there already is "massive proof"--but I see your point. The answer is simple--special interests (especially the oil companies).

These special interests are facing a real threat--namely, they are on the verge of becoming obsolete because of new technology that will revolutionize energy production.

Here's the scenario they're afraid of: Americans generally, and the government policy makers in particular, become conserned enough about the environment to start acting--e.g. the current proposal to require improvements in automobile fuel efficiency.

That alone (doubling the average mpg over time) could seriously impact their profits. But that's NOT the real threat they face--its what happens next.

A substantial reduction in gas expenditures will free up massive spending power--increasing consumer demand and benefitting the average person. At the same time, these new technologies are going to start coming on line (example: solar power that's cheaper than any existing source of energy for the home; that's NOT hype--its coming). That will also help the economy--not only by lowering costs (further increasing consumer spending power) but creating large numers of new jobs and businesses.

The result: the use of fossil fuels--especially oil--will go into decline--but the scare tactics about "economic downturns, etc" are discreditted by a booming economy. And the final touch: All that new technology and economic activity puts the US at the cutting edge worldwide--other countries will folllow suit (marginalizing the fossil fuel industry on a world-wide scale). And they will follw suit--whether or not theycare about global warming--because they will thenHAVE to--simply to remain competitive.

And--that is exactly what is starting to happen! :)

Answer 3

Since when is the USA not doing anything about it? The EPA was created almost 40 years ago and every single state has a similar environmental authority in place. There's the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water act, emission controls on cars. And all of those environmental initiatives have increased the cost of doing business in the USA. You know what the result of that has been, right? The industrial expansion in China and India, where those environmental controls aren't in place. And just in the last month China overtook the USA in total emissions of CO2. So if you want the USA to go greener, be prepared for a corresponding browning tint in what we used to call "Red" China.

Answer 4

I honestly am not sure whether global warming is truly caused by humans or if its a natural cycle. So Im not going to debate that.

But when they point towards specific things like hybrid cars and less livestock instead of promoting solutions in all areas from the ground up, this is what makes them look like its a plot to make money.

Put it this way, say someone was holding a seminar to reduce crime in your area, but only focused on talking about the murderers & drug dealers? Wouldn't you wonder why they werent talking about the sex offenders, domestic abuse, and theives?

The government needs to go green as a whole and start from the ground up, even what they consider smaller sources of pollution.

Answer 5

Not a chance.

This whole environmentalist crusade to eliminate "evil" CO2 is a farce.

1) They are burning down the rainforest to plant more sugar cane to make ethanol.
2) They want to reduce CO2 emissions by 80%. Sorry, but if we stopped burning ALL fossil fuels (which is impossible) China will still be the leading CO2 producer and make up more than that 20% that is "necessary to avert this catastrophe."
3) They will never admit that they want to kill off 80% of the population, but that really is the only solution to their made-up problem if you look at it with a logical mind.

Answer 6

The U.S. need to do what its citizens believe is best for them. This will be determined through the political process. If as a group they think that going "green" is best then that is what will happen. If not, then it won't. The government answers to the people, not the other way around. If you are a U.S. citizen and you don't like the way things are, then vote. If you are not a U.S. citizen and you don't like what we do, kindly shut your cake hole.

Answer 7

your government is doing the oposite so far

the whole damn world has to go green to make a difference ,not just one country,
And why dont you fix this first
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ap7FoW.bZhduYRMwHsLai93sy6IX?qid=20070618163201AAyuI69
this is going to speed up Global warming more than all the cars and industry put together

Answer 8

If it were Global warming we would breaking records for over 100 years in the positive direction . If we climate all CO2 would that satisfy U??? Then the plants would all die and u would have big problems. The more CO2 the better the plants will grow. The plants need CO2 as much as u need oxygen.

Answer 9

Me not abel 2 tink oar controll axshuns widout guvrmnet dewing it 4 me. Pleez o mitee gubtermit - dew mi part 4 me. Make me green!

Answer 10

There's deserts aren't there??Thats just living proof of global warming. DUH!!