NEWSOM, ALASKAN MAYORS PETITION THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO REGULATE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
California Political Desk
November 25, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Today Mayor Gavin Newsom joined Alaskan Mayors and Oceana, the largest international non-governmental organization focused on ocean conservation, in petitioning the federal government to establish comprehensive regulations for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Clean Air Act.
"Coastal communities around the globe, including San Francisco, could be harmed by rising sea levels and ocean temperatures," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "In response, we are joining with other coastal cities in asking the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases and move forward with this new blueprint for progress."
The Arctic is facing immediate and profound impacts from climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Arctic sea ice is disappearing at an alarming rate, which has dramatic consequences for wildlife, as well as serious implications for Arctic coastal residents. Arctic communities are currently threatened by coastal erosion, caused by melting permafrost.
Furthermore, changes in the Arctic could accelerate climate change worldwide, increasing the frequency and intensity of storms and the likelihood of droughts, fires and other calamities, in places such as San Francisco.
The petition is a thorough, science-based document that for the first time, describes in one document the impacts of climate change in the Arctic and the global implications of these changes—and what the federal government can do about it. It is being submitted on behalf of communities in the Arctic who are already feeling the early impacts of climate change.
This petition seeks to have the U.S. government:
Implement a comprehensive system of GHG regulations to stop global
warming and ocean acidification without negatively impacting our
economy (Complementary to Cap and Trade legislation).
Work with other countries in developing an international agreement to
reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to a
sustainable level below 350 parts per million.
Maintain a strong economy by making a strategic transition to
renewable energy sources and infrastructure.
"Coastal communities around the globe, including San Francisco, could be harmed by rising sea levels and ocean temperatures," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "In response, we are joining with other coastal cities in asking the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases and move forward with this new blueprint for progress."
The Arctic is facing immediate and profound impacts from climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Arctic sea ice is disappearing at an alarming rate, which has dramatic consequences for wildlife, as well as serious implications for Arctic coastal residents. Arctic communities are currently threatened by coastal erosion, caused by melting permafrost.
Furthermore, changes in the Arctic could accelerate climate change worldwide, increasing the frequency and intensity of storms and the likelihood of droughts, fires and other calamities, in places such as San Francisco.
The petition is a thorough, science-based document that for the first time, describes in one document the impacts of climate change in the Arctic and the global implications of these changes—and what the federal government can do about it. It is being submitted on behalf of communities in the Arctic who are already feeling the early impacts of climate change.
This petition seeks to have the U.S. government:
Implement a comprehensive system of GHG regulations to stop global
warming and ocean acidification without negatively impacting our
economy (Complementary to Cap and Trade legislation).
Work with other countries in developing an international agreement to
reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to a
sustainable level below 350 parts per million.
Maintain a strong economy by making a strategic transition to
renewable energy sources and infrastructure.
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