Fuse Washington

This time, right now, marks a turning point in human history. We have arrived at our generation’s defining challenge – and greatest opportunity -- because the truth is clear: people cause global warming and people must fix it beginning immediately.

Together we can recharge our economy with investments in energy conservation, renewable energy, and millions of green jobs. Or we can barrel ahead towards more floods, droughts, wildfires and hurricanes; economic decline; growing inequality and insecurity.

To achieve the future we want, we must come together and demand bold and immediate action by our state and federal governments. With our knowledge of the truth comes an undeniable moral responsibility: we must turn – quickly, decisively, and together.

The Solution

1. Moblize America - 5 million green jobs conserving 20% of our energy by 2015
2. Secure Our Future – Freeze climate pollution levels now and cut at least 80% by 2050 and 30% by 2020.
3. Transform Our Energy Priorities – No new coal plants until they can safely dispose of climate pollution.

You can help us achieve this solution today! Our Action to Fight Global Warming Campaign will provide you with the best opportunities to weigh and support local, state, and national policies aimed at building a clean energy future and slowing global warming.

The Stakes

The debate is over. Global warming is already occurring and without significant action to reduce carbon emissions within the next decade, scientists predict that the consequences could be severe and potentially irreversible. Our dependence on fossil fuels is transforming the planet. The Earth has already warmed and there is now more carbon pollution in the atmosphere than at any point in 650,000 years. If we do nothing, the Earth could warm by several degrees more.

A 2 degree increase would equal the warmest temperatures in 500,000 years. At that point in time, sea levels were 16 feet higher. Three million years ago, the Earth's temperature was 5 degrees warmer and sea levels were 80 feet higher. Although life will survive significant increases in temperature, global warming will leave us with a vastly different planet than the one we inherited. The potential consequences of catastrophic global warming include:

• Increased flooding on coastal regions as sea levels continue to rise. If sea levels rise by 80 feet, more than 50 million Americans would be displaced from their homes.
• Heat waves will become more frequent and intense. More than 30,000 people died in Western Europe as a result of record high temperatures in 2003.
• The loss of up to 50% of all species on Earth. Species living at the extremes--the poles or high altitudes--such as the polar bear, are the most vulnerable. But as the oceans warm countless other species also will face extinction.
• Droughts and wildfires will occur more often, as has been the case with the surge in wildfires across Western U.S. states in recent years.



Our Global Warming Action Campaign Partners

• 1 Sky
• Climate Solutions
• Futurewise
• Northwest Energy Coalition
• Sierra Club
• Washington Environmental Council