Global Warming Threatens Rhode Island

We Must Take Action Now

The Global Warming Solutions Act will protect our environment and revitalize our economy

Global Warming threatens Rhode Island's environment, economy, and infrastructure. Warming temperatures and a shifting climate threaten the delicately balanced ecosystems and the ability of natural species in Rhode Island and Narragansett Bay to survive. The costs of inaction to the threat of global warming are great, and addressing this problem now through measured efforts is more responsible and less costly than reacting to what effects will come our way.

We Must Listen to the Experts

Scientific research asserts that if we are to avoid the worst effects of global warming, we must reduce our global warming pollution 20% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. This comes from, amongst others, the Nobel Prize winning United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the most comprehensive group of experts in the field.

Dangers of Inaction

Global warming threatens Rhode Island's over 400 miles of coastline with sea level rise and increased beach erosion, a threat to tourism across the state.

We are also at risk for more intense storms. Public health is threatened by the warmer, smoggier days and infectious diseases that result from an increase in temperature.

The Old Voluntary Agreement Isn't Achieving Goals

In August 2001 the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers agreed to a Climate Change Action Plan, voluntarily setting goals for the region to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately the voluntary nature of the agreement has not been enough to spark effective action. In fact, New England is farther away from achieving this goal today than it was when this agreement was made. We must do more!

Opportunities for Economic Development

A greener Rhode Island means huge opportunities for economic development in the state, in the form of a diverse array of jobs and investments. Many jobs will be created in the fields of clean energy engineering, manufacturing and installation; as well as energy efficient retrofitting of buildings and vehicles; and public transportation construction and operation. Additionally, green development investors will know Rhode Island can support a new kind of economy, making our state an attractive place for green businesses to flourish. Right now Rhode Island sends dollars out of state to purchase dirty energy that could be replaced by local clean, renewable energy sources.

The Global Warming Solutions Act

The time to act is now! Capping global warming pollution and developing a plan to reduce it at the levels scientists say are necessary - 20% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 - will protect our state from the dangerous effects of climate change, while spurring long term and local economic growth. This is a solution as big as the problem! The Global Warming Solutions Act (S2629, H7884) constructs a framework in which we can achieve necessary emissions reductions goals and create a thriving, permanent, green economy.

Take Action Now

Take Action: Urge your lawmaker to support the Global Warming Solutions Act!