Decade to cut pollution 50-80% to curb warming

TUCSON -- The leading US climate scientist, NASA's James Hansen, says we have only a decade to curb life-threatening global warming pollution.

The Kyoto treaty is not nearly enough. Climate experts say we need a 50-80% cut in greenhouse gas emission by 2015-20.

The recent global warming executive order by Arizona Governor Napolitano is nice, but not enough. People appreciate Napolitano's action, but it is like putting a band-aid on a cut artery. Nonetheless, it is a good first step for our state.

Global warming threatens not only the arctic, but also already hot places like Arizona. Imagine summers with daily highs and lows 10 degrees hotter than they are now. Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma could become almost unlivable.

Cutting global warming pollution is something we all can, and must, do everyday. Use less power, put solar panels on your roof, drive as little as possible, and demand politicians take a long-term view and take needed actions now, not just band-aid measures.

These simple measures will save you money, and more importantly save the future of life on earth as we know it for our children and grandchildren.