Strange--but good--bedfellows
I've always believed that climate change had the potential to unite disparate groups with very different viewpoints behind one common cause. This was borne out a few years ago when evangelical Christians began to challenge their political leaders to do something about the issue.
Another unlikely ally was added to the cause when Alaska's sportsmen's groups--the hunters and fishers of that vast northern state--recently decided to ask Congress for caps on greenhouse gas emissions. This could give rise to an unusual alliance of the pro-gun sportsmen with the preserve-the-animals environmentalists.
Let's hope this alliance is a fruitful one, and that it causes Congress to move fast on the pending bills to cap greenhouse gases. If the scientists are right, we don't have much time.
In the end, it proves that there's nothing like a looming disaster to make us humans get over our smaller differences and unite behind a really important cause.
Leslie Carlson
in Market transformation
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I'm not sure how "strange" it is for these groups to be moving in this direction. The almighty dollar has much to do with this movement. Here is an article from your own beloved state of Oregon that appears to parallel what's happening in Alaska.
PS - Nice picture ;o)
Hunting, fishing and climate change
Oregonians are getting used to hearing warnings about the problems that are expected to accompany climate change. But last week, the cautions came not from Oregon State University scientists or government officials, but from hunters and fishermen.
From their vantage points on the state’s deserts, mountains, streams and bays, these sports men and women have gotten a early look at the effects of global warming. They’re concerned for the future of Oregon’s treasured salmon, waterfowl and other wildlife. They’re calling on Congress to act.
For many Oregonians, this will strike home. Hunting, angling and wildlife viewing are some of the activities that people most enjoy in this state. They also play a key part in Oregon’s economy. Some 2 million participants support more than 42,000 jobs, according to a 2001 survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
For that reason and others, our congressional delegation should make a national commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
For example, one bill in the Senate, S. 2191, would require the nation to start reducing pollution at a steady rate of 2 percent a year. Businesses that pollute more could buy allowances from businesses that pollute less. The money would go for such uses as helping low-income consumers pay higher energy bills or enhancing wildlife habitat.
Whether Congress passes this bill or takes other action, it should heed the sportsmen’s appeal.