What can be done, and who should do it?

To seek solutions, identify the problems

• Claiming ownership. Carrying the debate. Why do public opinions matter? Why might there be a sense of urgency? Who has the access to the media to get across their viewpoint(s)?
• Social movements -- there are groups of scientists, (e.g., UCSUSA), groups of activists (a small sample), and industry groups posing as grassroots movements (see some of the 'astroturf empire' created by opponents of action on global warming), and attempts to discredit global warming science as 'junk science.' As well as critics questioning the policy options.
• Technologies
  • cleaner fuels
  • Stabilization wedges
  • energy conservation as source of energy supply (versus supply side policy and more oil and gas drilling-what's the difference?)
  • ANWR example (proposal to drill for oil in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge)--supply-side versus demand-side policies
  • New sources of energy (for instance new power plants) pollute more than conservation, which 'saves' energy and reduces the need for new plants
• Changing behavior
  • Human exemptionalism (the notion that humans are somehow exempt from natural laws)
  • Personal changes (carpooling, conservation, etc.--'reuse, reduce, and recycle')
  • If you're going to shop . . .
  • Cultural changes (in schools, etc.)-'ecological literacy'
  • Institutional changes - mass transit, economics, energy policy, 'smart growth'
  • International issues-multilateral bodies, cooperation, enforcement of treaties (e.g., the Kyoto Protocols, which the Bush White House backed out of after taking office)
    • Carbon tax--this would be a more market-based solution to the problem (more conservative, versus a liberal approach that would entail more government regulation)
    • Cap and trade--the goal is overall reductions (does it help communities near heavy polluters?) How to enforce?
    • Ever heard of an ecotax?
  • Political behavior--voting??
  • Market- versus government-based solutions--who benefits? Who pays? The Apollo Alliance is an effort to find common ground between business, government, and citizens