Friday, June 08, 2007

Religion and Global Warming

Preachers presented testimony on global warming before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committe this week. Some want Congress to limit emissions of greenhouse gases to protect the poor but others say reduction programs will hurt the poor. The pro presenters cited Jesus' admonition to protect the "least of these." The National Council of Churches called for a 20 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2020 and an 80 percent reduction by 2050.

Of course other evangelicals said a cap and trade program would hurt the poor because it would slow job growth and increase energy costs. Other control opponents said emissions limits would hurt developing nations and such programs place the environment before the needs of the poor. (The Washington Post)

Humans are planetary managers and we have to control emissions. Our little 90 mile high atmosphere was not designed to contain an unlimited quantity of man-made industrial and vehicle emissions. We promote plug-in (lithium ion battery) fuel cell (hydrogen) hybrid electric vehicles and nuclear power plants as principle mitigation tools.

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