Florida Today Newspaper Saturday, November 3, 2007 Local News - Environment
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007711030329
Event asks politicians to step it up
Melbourne, Cocoa Beach join U.S. climate movement
BY MARIA SONNENBERG
Warning. Mark Bush, professor of biological sciences at Florida Tech, says climate change will be swift and drastic. "It's just about making smart decisions," Bush said. Today's National Day for Climate Action will include two events in Brevard. In Melbourne, shops will advertise what they're doing to save energy. In Cocoa Beach, Audubon of Florida will host a rally for conservation from 11:30 to noon. for FLORIDA TODAY
Change your lightbulb, and save a polar bear. Adjust your thermostat, and help a parrot.
Just little changes can make a big difference in the global environment, according to Step It Up, the New Hampshire-based group that organized the National Day of Climate Action, a series of grassroots events today.
The National Day for Climate Action builds on Step It Up's April rally that featured almost 1,500 events nationwide.
Today's activities are aimed at catching politicians' eyes.
"Enormous participation across the country should be a wake-up call to politicians," Step It Up co-coordinator May Boeve said.
The group is pushing for cuts in carbon emissions, known as greenhouse gases, with a pledge of an 80 percent reduction by 2050.
To symbolize the need for political leadership, some of the events are planned at historic sites, such as the Lincoln Memorial and along Paul Revere's route.
The day dovetails with PowerShift 2007, a major youth conference on global warming this weekend in Washington.
Joining the national movement are two events in Brevard.
In Melbourne, Bobbie Richardson encouraged local shops to reduce energy use and to advertise their action with a sign.
In Cocoa Beach, Audubon of Florida hosts a rally for conservation from 11:30 to noon today at 1550 N. Atlantic Ave.
Time is of the essence, scientists say. NASA's James Hansen said the world has less than a decade to transform its attitude, or it will face a wilting planet.
It may be too late to prevent global warming, but Step It Up's suggestions may be enough to stop the worst.
"Climate change is the biggest issue we face," said Mark Bush, professor of biological sciences at Florida Tech.
When change does arrive, it will be swift and drastic, he said.
"We've been in this period of a very stable climate, but you trip the trigger, and things can change in three to 10 years," Bush said.
While Florida can rely on the ocean as a buffer, other states, such as drought-stricken Georgia, may not be so lucky.
"We're going into unknown territory," Bush said.
Green technology, such as hybrid automobiles, is attracting consumer interest, but more support is needed if individuals really want to bring about change, he said.
"It's just about making smart decisions," Bush said. "People don't like to make tough choices, but if oil goes over $100 a gallon, they will be demanding cars that average 50 miles to the gallon. When people put their minds to it, they can influence history."
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