During Thursday's Focus the Nation"" event on campus, a handful of speakers addressed the challenges presented by global warming.
Among the speakers, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz highlighted his ""Green Madison Plan,"" touting recent changes made to the city and his further hopes to make Madison a ""greener"" city. These changes are both positive and necessary for the city of Madison.
Cieslewicz pointed out a number of the city's sustainable energy initiatives, including the recent installation of more energy efficient bulbs in red and green traffic lights. The new bulbs will reportedly reduce carbon emissions by 20,250 tons, or approximately 442 cars worth.
Cieslewicz's plan also aims to reduce overall carbon emissions 25 percent by 2011. Cieslewicz is definitely heading in the right direction, and is setting a very positive example for others to follow in a country that accounts for 25 percent of greenhouse gases.
Prior to Cieslewicz's address, Jon Foley, director of the Nelson Institute's [Center for Sustainability and Global Environment], said the impending need for change is urgent, and that the world ""can't stop on a dime.""
He noted that change must occur between now and 2030 in order to prevent further irreparable damage to the ozone layer.
Foley emphasized the clear link between climate change and carbon fingerprints found in greenhouse gases. Global warming is a major issue that can no longer be denied or ignored. The time to act is now, and the actions suggested by Cieslewicz and Foley require very little sacrifice from society as a whole.
Cieslewicz's actions are only the first step, though. Changing light bulbs is a start, but more drastic changes need to follow, and they need to be permanent
Making simple adjustments like switching to energy efficient light bulbs or opting to take the bus instead of driving are positive alternatives. By supporting legislation with a greater focus on the environment, students get the chance to become leaders in responding to an oncoming civilizational challenge that will only get worse unless addressed immediately.
