GLOBAL WARMING: A WAY OUT

GLOBAL WARMING: A WAY OUT

We have the technology and ingenuity to reduce the threat of global warming today.

Solutions are already available that will stimulate the American economy by creating

jobs, saving consumers money, and protecting our national security. By investing in

renewable energy and energy efficiency, and increasing the efficiency of the cars we

drive, we can take essential steps toward reducing our dependence on oil and other

fossil fuels that cause global warming.

Using energy more efficiently and moving to renewable energy (wind, solar,

geothermal, and bioenergy) would significantly reduce our emissions of heat-trapping

gases. The United States currently produces 70 percent of its electricity from

fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil, but only two percent from renewable

sources. Since the burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide—

the leading cause of global warming—but renewable energy does not, increasing the

share of our electricity generated from renewable resources is one of the most

effective ways to reduce global warming emissions.

Cars and trucks are another significant source (25 percent) of U.S. carbon dioxide

emissions. A serious effort to address global warming must therefore reduce

emissions from cars and trucks. American consumers would save billions of dollars on

gasoline, and we would reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

By putting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and vehicle technology solutions in

place at the international level, we can reduce our contribution to global warming

while creating a stronger, healthier, and more secure world.