An excerpt from the G-8 statement released on Tuesday:
"We, the nations of the G-8, recognize that we face a dramatic worldwide crisis. One that threatens to undermine the economic and social progress that has lifted so many out of poverty and towards a higher standard of living. Everything for which we have worked since the formation of this group will be destroyed if we do not act with forceful haste to solve this crisis. We witness that killing babies has an overall negative effect on the welfare of society at large and that such acts should be dealt with swiftly and resolutely. Furthermore, while we acknowledge the economic necessity of reliable electricity, the recent construction of new baby-fired power plants does not reflect the spirit of goodwill and progress we demand of ourselves as world leaders.We must move toward a world that minimizes the number of babies killed and do so in a manner consistent with the reasonable capacity and respective responsibility of the countries involved. The G-8 therefore proposes (in a non-binding agreement) to take serious measures to cut the rate of baby-killing by 50% by 2050. To reach this benchmark will require sacrifice from us all; we must reduce the amount of driving in baby-powered cars, increase energy efficiency to shrink demand on baby-fired power plants and cut back on flying in baby-fueled jets. The damage done by baby killing is real, and as world leaders we will set the bar for cutting the rate of baby killing around the world."*
*Warning: May contain satire and snark on the order of Jonathan Swift. :)
And set the bar they will. If you understand how science works and have some moral clarity about global warming you realize that the conclusions of scientists aren't a jumping off point for compromise. When experts on climate change say you need to cut CO2 emissions 80% from 1990 levels by 2050 they aren't high-balling you. Seriously, is 50% a low ball offer? Are you hoping the scientists come back and say "Ok, how about 65%? And we'll throw in a free microwave."
Come on guys. The 80% benchmark is widely acknowledged as sound. That's the science, straight up. The G-8's soft benchmark in soft language amounts to an egregious shirking of an enormous responsibility. This is especially frustrating since there are so many ways to accomplish robust goals of CO2 reduction and enliven the economy at the same time.
Take the law passed by Massachusetts last Monday as an example. It does some great stuff that will both help Massachusetts move away from fossil fuels and help create jobs.
The law has a requirement for utilities to invest in renewable energy if the cost of doing so is cheaper than the cost of buying power from another utility. This requirement is a clever way to help break the cycle of building new power plants. In the past when utilities have bought power from elsewhere it eventually leads to the construction of another coal plant, as the dollars used to purchase the power are essentially an investment in another power plant. But under this law all that money will go toward renewable energy, which is cleaner, is getting cheaper and has a serious future. And I've got a sneaking suspicion that not only does Massachusetts care about being responsible world citizens and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but they are also betting that there is going to be a boom in demand for renewable energy technology pretty soon. And if they have a lot of renewable energy businesses in their state when that boom hits, the money is going to come pouring in.
The law also helps advance renewable energy development by requiring utilities to sign 10-15 year contracts with renewable energy developers. This will help developers get financing from banks (which has been hard up until now). Additionally, the law puts 80% of regional cap-and-trade revenues toward energy efficiency programs. Pretty hip.
A lot of leaders could learn a lot from the way Massachusetts is helping to bear the responsibility of dealing with global warming. Certainly the G-8, who apparently think global warming is only 5/8's of a civilization threatening problem, and also back at home Virginia's beloved Governor Kaine. Maybe Governor Kaine should get a beer with Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, just to absorb some of the rational-thinking, progressive vibes. If the next Governor still wants to stimulate Virginia's economy and solve the energy problem in Virginia after the Wise County coal plant gets killed in court they should look at what Massachusetts has done with this law. Welcome to the future, people who run the world.