Officials discuss beliefs in depth concerning global warming

Officials discuss beliefs in depth concerning global warming


Explanations of why local and state officials agree or disagree with the four statements:


Question 1
The time for doubt has passed. Scientific experts have clearly affirmed that our climate system is warming, as is evident from increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level.

Question 2

This warming is linked directly to human activity. Most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in greenhouse gas concentrations.

Question 3
Global warming will lead to impacts on weather, agriculture, species, ecosystems, fisheries, coastlines, low-lying areas, vegetation, drinking water that are abrupt or irreversible.

Question 4
Local, state and federal governments should take action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

BSU PresidentJo Ann Gora

1. We asserted our support for this concept when we became one of the 12 charter signatories of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment.
2. I agree that we should limit our environmental footprint and that we can make a difference. That's why sustainability is a key part of Ball State's strategic plan. We're committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

3. I think these are believable consequences when considering the interactivity of the earth's many systems.

4. I don't believe it's solely the government's responsibility to counter the effects of global warming. We all need to do our part.


Gov. Mitch Daniels
"We will not participate in this survey," said spokeswoman Jane Jankowski. "The format of agree/disagree answers to statements is not an approach we believe lends itself to an effective discussion about a complex topic."
After Daniels declined to respond, The Star Press submitted the survey to Tom Easterly, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

"It's my understanding the governor's office has responded to you," replied Easterly's spokeswoman, Amy Hartsock. "If you need any further assistance, please contact Jane Jankowski."


Delaware County CommissionerJohn Brooke

1. Agree. The evidence is mounting almost daily. Continued debate as to whether global warming is true or not does just as much damage to the ecosystem as the actual emissions. Arguing ... delays real discussions as to how to bring about solutions.
2. Agree.

3. I agree ... that global warming will and already has had an effect on the weather as well as coastal areas. Ecosystems away from the coast may be negatively impacted due to changes in weather patterns, soil erosion, changes in migration and potentially water tables. True impact and possible negative changes to areas away from the coast need to be studied in greater detail.

4. Government has an obligation to enact rules and regulations to mitigate greenhouse gases. Government has an obligation to be a leader in helping to reduce these emissions by taking its own steps and reduce its own carbon footprint on the environment.


U.S. Rep.Mike Pence

1. Agree.
2. I would not agree that there is broad consensus on man-made or human activity being the proximate cause of global warming. I think there is more diversity of opinion among many scientists in this area of discipline than most people realize. I don't think global warming as caused by human activity is a settled question in the scientific community.

3. Disagree. Claims of catastrophic consequences in global warming are not reflective of the majority of the opinions even among IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) scientists. Many people rely on the (IPCC's) 'summary for policy makers' and they haven't taken into account the uncertainty contained in the balance of the report. The summary doesn't reflect the scientific uncertainty that is evident among many IPCC scientists.

4. I think it is appropriate for particularly the federal government to encourage investment in new, clean, alternative technologies. But I think it should be done in a way that puts the broad interests of the American people first. If we were to embrace the more draconian proposals being advocated by some in Congress and the environmental movement we could see as much as a 20-percent increase in utility bills for Hoosiers.

source-http://www.thestarpress.com/