Pointless Waiting For Bush To Take Action On Climate - Mercury News [View All]

President Bush has long been out of step with the leaders of developed nations on global warming. He was virtually alone in refusing to support the Kyoto Protocol and to endorse mandatory reductions of emissions of greenhouse gases, which contribute to the earth's rising temperatures. Bush has also been out of step with many of the nation's governors, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, who are calling for forceful action to combat global warming.

And increasingly, Bush is out of step with the American people. A poll released Thursday is the latest to report that a large majority of Americans believe global warming is a real problem. And unlike the president, they are willing to do something about it.

The poll, conducted by a respected Republican pollster, found that concern about global warming crosses party lines. More Democrats and independents than Republicans believe that human activity is causing global temperatures to rise. But by a more than 2-1 ratio, members of all three groups believe it is possible to reduce the effects of global warming. And about eight of every 10 people surveyed say they are willing to take individual actions to cut their own energy consumption. These include lowering thermostat settings in winter and raising them in summer, washing clothes in cold water and choosing energy-efficient vehicles, light bulbs and appliances. Walking, biking or taking mass transit instead of driving are other ideas that got a hearty endorsement.

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President Bush may tune them out, but a strong majority of Americans of all political persuasions are already getting the message. If enough of us take responsibility and act, we can not only make a difference but also send a message to Washington that this nation needs to get serious about fighting global warming.

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http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/opinion/14176241.htm