[Winona Online Democracy]
Recent AP article --
Craig Brooks
********************
Feds predict steep rise in U.S. emissions
(http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/282673,cst-nws-warm04.article)
March 4, 2007
BY JOHN HEILPRIN
WASHINGTON -- By 2020, the United States will emit almost one-fifth more gases
that lead to global warming than it did in 2000, increasing the risks of
drought and scarce water supplies.
That projection comes from an internal draft report from the Bush
administration that is more than a year overdue at the United Nations. The
Associated Press obtained a copy Saturday.
The United States already is responsible for about one-quarter of the world's
carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse" gases that scientists blame for global
warming.
The draft report, still being completed, projects that the current
administration's climate policy would result in the emission of 9.2 billion
tons of greenhouse gases in 2020, a 19 percent increase from 7.7 billion tons
in 2000.
Could be prevented
Doing more than slowing the growth rate of greenhouse gas emissions, which
remains the administration's stated goal, will be decided "as the science
justifies," the draft report says.
The biggest source of the gases is the burning of fossil fuels, chiefly oil,
coal and natural gas.
But an authoritative U.N. report last month from hundreds of scientists and
government officials said global warming is "very likely" caused by mankind and
that climate change will continue for centuries even if heat-trapping gases are
reduced. That report was approved by 113 nations including the United States.
It was the strongest language ever used by the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change, whose last report came in 2001.
Despite the dire outlook, most scientists say huge sea level rises and the most
catastrophic storms and droughts may be avoided if strong action is taken soon.
AP
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