James Hansen, NASA scientist, recently released this paper he wrote after Obama’s election. In part, it’s a letter to Obama about what must be done about climate change, and a good explanation for the public about possible solutions we must be considering now.
Tell Barack Obama the Truth – The Whole Truth
Embers of election night elation will glow longer than any prior election. Glowing even
in other nations, and for good reason. We are all tied together, more than ever, like it or not.
Barack Obama’s measured words on election night, including eloquent recognition of
historic progress, from the viewpoint of a 106-year-old lady, still stoke the embers. But he
was already focusing on tasks ahead, without celebratory excess.
Well he should. The challenge he faces is unprecedented. I refer not to the inherited
economic morass, as threatening as it is. The human toll due to past failures and excesses
may prove to be great, yet economic recessions, even depressions, come and go.
Now our planet itself is in peril. Not simply the Earth, but the fate of all its species,
including humanity. The situation calls not for hand-wringing, but rather informed action.
Optimism is fueled by expectation that decisions will be guided by reason and evidence,
not ideology. The danger is that special interests will dilute and torque government policies,
causing the climate to pass tipping points, with grave consequences for all life on the planet.
The President-elect himself needs to be well-informed about the climate problem and its
relation to energy needs and economic policies. He cannot rely on political systems to bring
him solutions – the political systems provide too many opportunities for special interests.
Here is a message I think should be delivered to Barack Obama. This is a first draft.
Criticisms would be much appreciated.
Climate threat. The world’s temperature has increased about 1°F over the past few
decades, about 2°F over land areas. Further warming is “in the pipeline” due to gases already
in the air (because of climate system inertia) and inevitable additional fossil fuel emissions
(because of energy system inertia).
READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE HERE (Link to this site)
Join me at 
