Oct. 26, 2007: Minnesotans Encouraged To Address Global Warming Solutions

A series of statewide meetings on global warming gets underway. They are designed to encourage communities to address the issue at the local level.

Minnesota News Connection

Oct. 26, 2007

Minnesotans Encouraged To Address Global Warming Solutions

St. Paul, MN. - Global warming is a worldwide issue, but a series of state public forums beginning this weekend will focus on what individuals and communities can do about it. Comments from organizers: J. Drake Hamilton, with Minnesota-based Fresh Energy and polar explorer Will Steger (STEE-gur).

A series of statewide meetings focused on global warming get underway this weekend.
J. Drake Hamilton with Fresh Energy says, while it's a worldwide issue, there's a lot that can be done on the local level.

"What we want is to get many more people engaged in coming up with innovative entreprenural solutions to global warming. And, to do it on a community-wide basis."

She says the goal is to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80-percent by 2050, -- the level scientists say is necessary to avoid the worst impacts on climate, wildlife and crops. Hamilton also has some simple energy-saving tips - turn off TVs, cell phone chargers and computers not in use. Turn off lights when you leave the room. And, wash clothes in cold water. The first session is Sunday in Duluth.

Minnesota polar explorer Will Steger is participating in the sessions to share his first-hand experience about melting ice caps. He says he's seen the consequences of global warming, but is optimistic we can deal with it.

"Once people catch on to what's happening, people really start interacting on the community level, political level. So, I think we need to be leaders. We need to be developing the technologies on wind and other forms of energy. And, the world is looking for the United States to lead for a change. I have a lot of faith in the human spirit."

Governor Pawlenty appointed Steger and Hamilton to serve on the Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group, to develop policies for reducing the state's global warming emissions by a third by 2025.