Controlling Global Warming

Taking a break from the academic melee that was the last two months, I found an interesting article about controlling the advance of global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which in the past has been known to understate the impact of global warming, has released the fourth of a series of reports on the issue. In this one, they discuss the use of an economic model that factors in the societal cost of CO2 emissions when setting the prices of using fossil fuels. I took this to mean taxing those who use the most energy.

There's an elegance to the idea that such a simple model could fix a good portion of the global warming problem. However, the article mentions that a lack of trust and collaboration will prevent this from going forward; politics is what will bog things down. Although this may cause dismay in some people, it is important to realize that we all still have the power to control the things around us. Use your bike whenever possible. Change to fluorescent bulbs. Purchase goods made locally. If we are willing to work together and make our own sacrifices to fight global warming, perhaps those in power will get the message and be more willing to work towards the greater good.