Congress needs to address global warming

In this day and age we are faced with many problems concerning global warming. Global warming poses as a real threat to New Jersey's economy, impacting the state's tourism, agriculture and forest industries that depend on the healthy ecosystems, as stated in the National Wildlife Federation's Solution to Global Warming found at www.nwf.org/globalwarming.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed an energy package that, among other things, includes a Renewable Electricity Standard. This standard requires electric companies to provide 15 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by the year 2020. This is a huge step forward and I applaud the House for acting on the need for an increase in the use of renewable electricity.

Unfortunately - while the Renewable Electricity Standard is an excellent starting point - it is not enough. Congress needs to pass comprehensive legislation to reduce global warming pollution.

Warmer average temperatures are changing the landscape of our world, and scientists say this will only continue if left unchecked. A recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said that about 20-30 percent of plant and animal species are likely to be at increased risk of extinction due to global warming.

New Jersey is home to an incredible diversity of native wildlife species, including 340 birds, 71 mammals, 67 fish, 42 reptiles and 31 amphibians. Rising temperatures and sea level in the state will likely change the makeup of entire ecosystems, forcing wildlife to shift their ranges or adapt.

The Department of Energy says planting three trees strategically around your home to block the sun in summer and wind in winter can reduce your annual heating and cooling costs by an average of 40 percent. Many states now offer options for homeowners to buy electricity from clean, renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass that produce little or no global warming pollution. Green energy can also be purchased through the National Wildlife Federation by visiting www.nwf.org/energy.

Congress must now follow through on their commitment to address global warming. When the House returns to session in September, they should step up to the plate and begin working immediately to pass the two bills that take the best approach - the Safe Climate Act or the Climate Stewardship Act.

Christina Ausiello

Hazlet