Originally published Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Editorial
Global warming is real
Talk about global warming changed this week, from Washington, D. C., to Olympia. A scientific conclusion that the existence of global warming...
Talk about global warming changed this week, from Washington, D.C., to Olympia. A scientific conclusion that the existence of global warming is "unequivocal" has moved discussions from what if to what now?
Debate about the reality of a half-century of rising temperatures was put to rest by the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which found a "very likely" link to human causes. The panel, created in 1988 by the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization, has paced its pronouncements to cycles of research on the human and natural causes of climate change. In 1990, the case for global warming was said to be serious. By 1995, a balance of evidence cast a longer shadow. In 2001, scientists said the evidence continued to accumulate.
This time, the message was blunt. Global warming has increased markedly since 1750 as a result of human causes, and its impact on shrinking snowpacks, declining sea ice, rising oceans and wetter, hotter weather will persist into the future, even if the causes stopped now.
The choice that exists is to slow the process so the worst will not happen. That is an outcome for which the globe has time and options. The behavior and leadership of the United States — a nation with 5 percent of the world's population and 25 percent of CO2 emissions — will certainly be under scrutiny.
Opportunities for finger-pointing abound, so everyone will have to get that out of their political systems.
Automobile emissions will duel with the coal-burning habits of India, China and Russia for status as the greatest villain. The instinct to protect one's national economy down to the last manhole-cover-sized piece of sea ice will be strong.
Announcements are stirring in Olympia. The willingness to get started and stay focused is as welcome as creative ideas.
Progress will come from unlikely sources. Spending more for Washington State University research on cattle feed could be a big step. Agricultural practices and methane-burping cows are a significant part of the global greenhouse effect.
Realistic solutions for quantifiable problems will be very close to home. Transportation and power generation are big parts of our lives, and primary sources of the environmental dilemma.
Last week's sober news offered a fresh start. Global warming is real. Now move on to coaxing out mitigating solutions.
Copyright © The Seattle Times Company
Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: New York terror trials will restore faith in rule of law
Charles Krauthammer / Syndicated columnist: New York trial a propaganda coup for terrrorists

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship
Coming in this Sunday's Pacific Northwest Magazine: Pastor Braxton's mission is to preach a message that appeals to everyone.
nwautos
Local riders say they've seen a surge in scooter interest in recent years, mostly from people wanting another commuting option. Seattle now ranks as o...
Post a comment
nwjobs
Post a comment
Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Do you suffer from "sitting disease"?
Post a comment
- Home break-in ends in shootings, Everett police say
- Steve Kelley | Next Seahawks GM should be Mike Holmgren
- Mariners Blog | Jose Lopez appears to be on his way out
- Amazon, Wal-Mart escalate Web price war
- As glam as he wants to be: Adam Lambert's real debut
- Bellevue Blog | Bellevue residents blast new bikini espresso stand
- Big demand, grim outlook for state Basic Health Plan
- Husky Men's Basketball Blog | An interview with Enes Kanter's coach
- Teen pimp found guilty of human trafficking
- Portland cafe's specialty: medical-marijuana tokes
- Bellevue residents blast new bikini espresso stand
254 - Jose Lopez appears to be on his way out
247 - Big demand, grim outlook for state Basic Health Plan
206 - Next Seahawks GM should be Mike Holmgren
156 - Washington State coach Paul Wulff says he's excited about Cougars' future
139 - Hate crimes against gays, religious groups up, FBI says
91 - Man shoots self at Westlake Center
83 - Some fans at Fort Bragg see themselves in Sarah Palin
82 - Teen pimp found guilty of human trafficking
66 - Portland cafe's specialty: medical-marijuana tokes
50
- Sprouts, raw fish on attorney's 'do not eat' list
- Tattoos at Mill Creek church pierce skin, soul
- Food-safety lawyer's wish: Put me out of business
- Illegal workers quietly let go
- Architects, chefs find 'kid' within to build Gingerbread Village
- Nicole Brodeur | Homeless woman bent on giving
- Portland cafe's specialty: medical-marijuana tokes
- Big demand, grim outlook for state Basic Health Plan
- Hutch gets $10M from Bezos family for immunotherapy research
- Rediscovering Moab, 'the most beautiful place on Earth'





