Show Mayor Rocky Anderson speaks at J Jaron aron Briggs Contributing Writer On March 20 welcomed Mayor Rocky Anderson to the Redwood campus to discuss the environmental impact of global warming As part of an Earth Day spoke to students faculty and staff about a comprehensive approach to environmental protection Topics included alternative transportation water conservation high- high performance buildings and greenhouse gas emissions as well as securing a healthy quality high-quality sustainable future I not only want to f focus cus on the science of the climate change and future consequences but finding solutions said Anderson That is what I think is most important Global warming is a process in which the heat from f om the sun is trapped in inthe inthe inthe the atmosphere as a a result of carbon dioxide pollution is a gas that thatis is the byproduct of cars cattle and power plants The trapping heat-trapping gases of remain in the atmosphere for about years creating an accumulative effect that can interfere with the delicate balance of the earths earth's temperature by retaining heat The ambient rise in temperature is thought to have an effect on precipitation seasons and ocean and wind currents It may also contribute to the melting of polar icecaps which would affect the worlds world's living ecosystems Anderson explained that the warming of our planet is due largely in part to the burning of fossil fuels the dependence on foreign oil which comes from terrorist- terrorist sponsoring or otherwise dangerous authoritarian regimes as well as dramatic destabilizing fuel price fl fluctuations Either we delay obstruct and wait for others to take action with disastrous results or we pull together at all levels of government business and in each of our individual lives to develop and implement effective solutions said Anderson With 2005 being the warmest year on record Anderson explained how killer heat waves are going to become substantial problems in the future The 2003 heat wave in Europe broke all records for heat- heat related deaths totaling about people of whom were in France alone The risk of major heat waves has doubled due to climate changes said Anderson In the United States States' related heat-related deaths exceed all other weather- weather related deaths combined Anderson also discussed the catastrophic impact on ski industries world worldwide wide and li f t. t t P. P J said that global warming is threatening the worlds world's ski resorts He also explained that downhill skiing has already disappeared in some parts and warned that retreating snow lines could cut off base villages from ski runs as soon as 2030 In 2001 Anderson launched the Salt Lake City Green program This environmental initiative includes information on nuclear waste air quality drinking water transportation and even animal waste A major component of Salt Lake City Green is our campaign which has achieved very positive results said Anderson The campaign contains action programs that can be replicated by other governmental entities businesses campuses and individuals The focus of the program is finding the most effective solutions in reducing global warning pollutants and taking advantage of positive opportunities currently available Those opportunities include gaining independence from foreign oil advancing national security improving local air quality and enhancing public health Anderson was proud to say that Salt Lake City has become Mayor Continued on page 3 Mayor speaks at Continued from page 1 renowned in the nation and in many parts of the world for the communities' communities response to environmental issues Lake City is now the first city in the nation to voluntarily offset all emissions from related city-related air ir travel by preserving rain fain forests in Costa Rica Anderson also passed a city ity ordinance that allows drivers rivers of alternative fuel cars to park throughout the city without having to pay for parking meters Anderson then urged students to recognize the benefits of wind solar and geothermal alternatives as clean sources of energy and also explained that students could initiate immediate individual actions that would have havea a profound impact on the environment If every household in inthe inthe inthe the United States replaced just one incandescent bulb with a compact florescent bulb that would have the global pollution emission reduction affect of taking one million cars off the road he said Anderson then concluded by saying that this is a very exciting time of change with great promise and great opportunities because we have the technology that can solve global warming He also thanked students for their continuing support and for having such a strong voice when it comes to environmental issues We have the means to make a real positive difference said Anderson Working together we can make a better more secure safer future for all For more information visit |