by Scott Gray

Created on: July 04, 2007

To Tell the Truth- Threats and Opportunities of Warming

Townships in Alaska are facing dilemmas. The generally fractious International Community has made a rare universal move in agreeing to certain research. Droughts threatened Australia's agricultural stability in May. This is the reality of global warming. The fear-mongering is no longer acceptable, on the right or left. Instead, the debate must now rest with the need for solutions. Liberals have long dominated the issue, calling for government regulations and changes. However, Republicans must take this issue from Democrats by outlining a seldom-explored truth to Global Warming- Solving the problem requires traditional Republican principles, and solutions do not require rigid sacrifices.

It was Democrat Tip O'Neill who once stated that "All politics is local," but Republicans have mastered the localization of politics. In solving global warming, this local politics is essential. Even the conservative Wall Street Journal acknowledged last year that green policies were far more appealing at the local level, a thesis reinforced by Newsweek reports this year. Some 300 bills on global warming are pending in some 40 different state legislatures. Over 400 mayors, Republicans and Democrats, have joined the Mayor of Seattle in voluntarily adhering to the principles of the Kyoto protocol. This localization has brought politicians together on the global warming debate, a debate which fractures allies in Washington. The truth about global warming is that it will not be solved in large international chambers with world leaders and esteemed diplomats seated at grand tables. It will not be ended in elaborate palaces with great documents. Global warming will be solvent when local leaders get together and address the problem with meaningful solutions.

These solutions do not have to be lethal to be meaningful. Some proposals on global warming such as an international carbon tax certainly warrant considerable attention. However, the best solutions with global warming are less controversial. Take Arlingon, Texas. The city installed fluorescent light bulbs in traffic lights, drastically cutting energy use. Initially, the costs were high, some $1.35 million. However, since that time, the city has actually made money. Federal and state grants now allow individuals in rural areas to install personal windmills, solar paneling, and other energy devices with extensive government assistance and produce their own energy "off the grid."

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