KANSAS

Kansans are facing economic hardship, thanks in part to record high oil prices. Our use of fossil fuels is also playing a role in increased global warming. Climate change is a very real threat that, if left unmitigated, will plague Kansas and its residents. If we don’t implement an aggressive strategy to combat global warming, Kansas has the potential to lose 11,491 jobs. (i)

The agriculture economy in Kansas also faces consequences from global warming. Hotter, drier conditions would cause pasture yields to decline, leading to a decrease in livestock weight gain. (ii)

At the root of these problems lies our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Kansas currently relies heavily on coal. (iii)

Kansas can meet an astounding 5,356% of the state’s energy needs with renewables! (iv)

Given the potential for renewable energy in Kansas, Kansas has the opportunity to revitalize its economy.

In Kansas, steps are being taken to prevent the negative effects of climate change. Kansas is part of the Midwest Greenhouse Gas Reduction Initiative, which requires member states to set timetables for global warming pollution reduction goals, to implement a cap and trade system for emissions, and to join the Climate Registry of greenhouse gas emissions. These actions must be taken by November 2008. (v)

We need strong leadership to continue down this road.

SOURCES:

i. http://www.bluegreenalliance.org/site/c.enKIITNpEiG/b.3417259/

ii. http://www.nextgenerationearth.org/usstates/statelist/

iii. http://getenergyactive.org/fuel/state.htm

iv. http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/Plugging_In_Renewable_Energy.pdf

v. http://www.midwesternaccord.org/midwesterngreenhousegasreductionaccord.pdf