Number: 1998-10
WHEREAS, human-induced climate change, caused by emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, exacerbates the uncertainties associated with preserving endangered species and wetlands, and maintaining public lands, clean water and sustainable communities — areas of special concern to the National Wildlife Federation, and could have catastrophic consequences for mankind and the natural resources we depend upon; and
WHEREAS, over 2,600 scientists have endorsed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report which concluded that “the balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate,” and that if action is not taken soon, changes in climate patterns could have increasingly severe impacts on wildlife, habitats and human life, health and property; and
WHEREAS, over 2,500 economists have signed onto the Economists’ Statement on Climate Change in which they note that the risks and costs of global climate change are immense; also, there appear to be cost effective ways to reduce dramatically the emissions of greenhouse gases that will, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, improve the economic competitiveness of the United States; and
WHEREAS, among the species that could be negatively affected by climate change are polar bears, marine mammals, migratory birds, fish, and the many plants and animals of our National Parks, wildlife refuges and backyard habitats; and
WHEREAS, the sustainability of human communities could be imperiled by expected changes in weather patterns and consequent drought, blizzards, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, as well as by rises in sea level due to the melting of polar ice caps and thermal expansion of the oceans; and
WHEREAS, in 1993 President Clinton called for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000; and
WHEREAS, the world community has come to a consensus, in the Kyoto Protocol of December 1997, that emissions of greenhouse gases should be reduced, and especially that emissions of all greenhouse gases by the United States should be reduced by 7 percent compared to 1990 levels by the years 2008-2012; and
WHEREAS, numerous studies show that reductions of greenhouse gas emissions of 20 percent or more are possible without disrupting our economy; and with technology improvements in the next few years, exceeding such reductions could be expected; and
WHEREAS, developing countries in many instances have demonstrated an ability and desire to make strong efforts to limit their own greenhouse gas emissions through subsidy reduction and innovative energy resources, and by applying new technologies they will continue to contribute to the global solution as their economies grow; and
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation, as the nation’s leading environmental education organization, has a role and responsibility to educate its members and the general public about the nature of the threat of climate change and its impact on human civilizations and on wildlife, and how we as consumers contribute to the problem and can contribute to its solution in our everyday lives;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in its Annual Meeting assembled March 19-22, 1998, in Alexandria, Virginia, hereby urges governments, corporations and others to respond to the scientific consensus on the threat posed by climate change by achieving and exceeding the reduction target commitments outlined in the Kyoto Protocol to the Framework Convention on Climate Change, and by continuing bilateral and international efforts to negotiate targets sufficient to stop human induced climate change; and to make the targets effective, enforceable and equitable; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that appropriate domestic policies should be promoted which will enhance scientific research and public education on this issue, as well as activities which will result in reduced emissions of greenhouse gases, including: changes in consumption patterns; restructuring of taxation and subsidy policies to provide appropriate incentives and disincentives; provide transition programs for areas experiencing localized economic impacts; improved technological specifications, ratings, labels and efficiency standards for appliances, motors, vehicles, etc; and promotion of more efficient energy sources and transportation systems.