The False Trade Off
Since 1985, the Gallup poll has asked survey respondents to trade off environmental protection against economic growth. This past spring, for the first time, more people chose economic growth than environmental protection. (See Gallup graph) The data is an accurate reflection of public opinion, and there is no question that conventional Read More
On June 26, 2009, the House of Representatives took the historic step of passing the first piece of U.S. legislation to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses. While the bill, like all legislation, is not perfect, it is a giant step in the right direction. The most important provisions of the bill require:
• Reductions in greenhouse Read More
It is amazing to me how the media can both create and resolve its own conflicts. On April 10 John Broder wrote a piece for The New York Times, "Obama, Who Vowed Rapid Action on Climate Change, Turns More Cautious." In the story Broder asks, “Has the administration scaled back its global-warming goals, Read More
Watching the Obama Administration’s “green team” in action is inspiring. In a very short period of time, these folks have revitalized our environmental agenda. They are doing it with words and with deeds. While there is plenty of rhetoric and lots of symbolic action, there is also significant and important Read More
I had high hopes for David Paterson when he became governor, but I have to admit I’ve pretty much given up on him. I was appalled by the way he treated Caroline Kennedy when she expressed interest in New York’s vacant Senate seat: Hey Governor, a simple no would have sufficed. Is it really a Read More
Visitors to the site can choose one of seven transportation options (bus, car, hybrid car, taxi, subway/train, bike, walk) and calculate the Read More
Last Thursday, former Vice President Al Gore joined the many voices that have been calling for a crash program-a "moon-shot" national effort to get us off of fossil fuels. Senator Obama applauded the speech saying "For decades, Al Gore has challenged the skeptics in Washington on climate change and awakened the conscience of a nation Read More
When we walk down Broadway in Manhattan, we sometimes forget that New York is virtually surrounded by water. In fact, the five boroughs have 578 miles of shoreline. If global warming ends up melting enough sea ice at the poles to cause the sea level to rise, New York City is in a world of Read More
After giving a speech at the United Nations about climate change, Michael Bloomberg told reporters that stopping global warming "is just as important as stopping nuclear proliferation" and "fighting terrorism."
When I asked him to elaborate, Bloomberg said the dangers of terrorism and nuclear proliferation could be felt instantly, while the--also enormous--danger of global warming could Read More
I really have to thank the Governor for that very kind introduction. It’s an honor to hear one of the most impressive and independent leaders in our country call me his soulmate. And even if we weren’t soulmates, he’s much bigger than I am, so I wouldn’t question anything he says. Mayors Read More
Even Noah would have been impressed.
For two days this week, New York City endured the lashings of one of the worst storms in recent history, a northeaster that flooded streets, downed power lines and dumped nearly eight inches of rain on Central Park. With its olive-sized raindrops, it had the feel of some Biblical Read More
