Global warming is one of the most serious challenges facing us today. It is the moral issue of our time. Together we have to educate ourselves on the science and the solutions to solve this problem. Professing we care about our children's and grandchildren's future is not enough; we must show it in our actions. We need to reduce our emissions of heat-trapping gases by using the technology, know-how, and practical solutions already at our disposal.

Optimistic scientists from all over the world are telling us that in order to prevent the worst consequences of climate change, we will need to reduce our global warming pollution 80% by 2050.  Let’s not talk about what the less optimistic scientists are predicting.  We have serious work to do and fast.  The good news is that by taking simple individual actions, and by working together to influence government and business, we can succeed.

Together  we can exercise our collective power of consumer choice.  Making educated purchases, from disposable tissue products,  to light bulbs, and green power, brings us one step closer to living in balance.  We must become conscious consumers; aware of the resources it takes to produce all products and how that effects ecology.

A crucial step in this movement will be to change one very important aspect of American perception.  A 2005 study by Anthony Leiserowitz, published in Risk Analysis, found that most Americans, about 68%, believe the greatest threats of global warming are to people who live far away or to non-human life.  Only 13% perceive any real risk to themselves, their families, or their communities.  This is a dangerous misconception.

Every living thing in every part of the world, every human life, will be affected in profound ways by climate change.  This thought should help us put ecological impact into all economic equations.  Americans make up only 5 percent of the global population, yet we produce almost 25% of the global carbon dioxide emissions.

The scientific community is trying to warn us, and we must be ready to listen.  Read the science. There is NO debate on whether or not climate change is happening.  This mis-perception is promoted by think tanks whose salaries are paid by the oil and coal industry.  It’s like the cigarette industry telling us cigarettes don’t cause cancer.  We know better!  

Let us rise up, work toward solutions and stop being part of the problem.  Lets give the future back to our children.