Conference: Washington Summit on Climate Stabilization
September 18-21, 2006

Conclusion and Notes

Introduction | Corporate Involvement
A Role for the Government - State Initiatives
International Efforts

Countries all over the world are attempting to address the problem of global warming and are switching to alternative energy sources. These are encouraging trends, and the United States should take note and consider following other nations’ examples.

But do not mistake us—hydrogen alone cannot solve our energy crisis. Neither can ethanol, wind power, solar energy or cogeneration on its own. There is no single answer, no one miraculous technology that will end our dependence on nonrenewable energy. Nor does the answer lie in a massive federal bureaucracy that funds and controls all new alternative energy sources.

Rather, the solution to the carbon problem lies in quickly developing a diverse energy portfolio for the U.S. and creating proactive policy on the part of the federal government. The United States must utilize all energy options available, and can do this by following state and international examples. The federal government can promote this by creating foresighted public policy that is aimed at reducing the barriers to entry for these new technologies. Development of infrastructure, lowering subsidies on fossil fuels and reducing tariffs on clean energy from other countries are all actions that government should pursue, in addition to developing incentives for more corporate investment in alternative energy. Only if this public-private front is taken to encourage renewable power, only then will the collective effect carry us forward to a sustainable, carbon-free economy.

To prevent the most serious consequences of climate change, we need to take dramatic steps within the next decade to reduce our carbon emissions. This may sound like a daunting task, but it can be done. The corporate investment, state initiatives and international leadership that we have seen are already promising beginnings—but they are only beginnings. More work must be done to develop alterative energy sources and improve our energy efficiency, and much of that work falls to the federal government. It is time for Congress and the White House to take responsibility and show leadership for our future.

Americans—indeed, human beings as a whole—have accomplished extraordinary feats before, and we can do it again. We can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions; we can stabilize atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations; and we can avoid the most devastating consequences of climate change. We can increase corporate investment, we can produce effective and long-lasting government policies, and we can work with our international partners on this global problem. But, for environmental, moral, stewardship, and long-term economic reasons, we all need to make the commitment and we need to make it now. If we rise to this occasion, we will make the world more stable, secure and prosperous, and future generations will appreciate that we had the wisdom and moral courage to meet the climate challenge.

Previous: A Moral and Profitable Path to Climate Stabilization (Introduction)
                  Corporate Involvement
                  A Role for the Government - State Initiatives
                  International Efforts

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