In 2009 the US emitted 17.2 tons of CO2 per capita - a decrease of 14% over our high of 20.0 tons in 2000.
With incentives and mandates, and current solutions, we can further reduce emissions, create jobs, and preserve a safe, enjoyable environment for our children.
We can implement Dr. James Hansen's fee-and-rebate plan; increase funding for renewable energy tech and installation; retrofit homes and businesses, saving millions of "negawatts" – energy wasted by inefficiency; and, in the bargain, shutter no- longer-needed coal and fracking operations, saving billions of gallons of water; and undertake aggressive planting of trees and grasses to sequester CO2.
The crisis is real. We need not wait – we have the solutions we need right now. For the sake of all we hold dear, let us begin.