The National Center for Atmospheric Research reportsthat their computer models show that “globally averaged surface air temperatures would rise about a half degree Celsius (one degree Fahrenheit) and global sea levels would rise another 11 centimeters (4 inches) from thermal expansion alone by 2100″ - the same as occured during the 20th century.

“Many people don’t realize we are committed right now to a significant amount of global warming and sea level rise because of the greenhouse gases we have already put into the atmosphere,” says lead author Gerald Meehl. “Even if we stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations, the climate will continue to warm, and there will be proportionately even more sea level rise. The longer we wait, the more climate change we are committed to in the future.”

The question: having determined that the Kyoto Treaty would be harmful to US interests, what does our leadership feel is a balanced alternative that will protect our economic interests while curbing the pollution we produce?