TO: Board of Trustees
From: Conservation Division
March 14, 1989
RE: Greenhouse Effect
RESOLUTION: Resolved, that The Mountaineers support legislative
and other efforts to mitigate environmental factors implicated as
contributors to global warming or the "greenhouse effect." Currer
federal bills which address the greenhouse effect which we support
are S .324, National Energy Policy Act; S.491, Global Greenhouse
Warming Prevention Act; H.R.1078 (companion bill to S.324) and
S.201 (phasing out non-recyclable and non-degradable products
and CFCs).
SUMMARY OF ISSUE: Most experts agree that current global warming
trends will continue and increase into the next century, and that
profound environmental changes will result, possibly including
desertification of current agricultural areas, a significant rise
in sea level, and profound changes in vegetation patterns.
The complexity of the problem and the inherent variation in
weather patterns make it impossible to predict with absolute
certainty how much temperatures will rise in the next century.
Yet many of the suspected causes of the greenhouse effect are
serious environmental problems in and of themselves. This,
together with the grave consequences of global warming, should
scientists' predictions prove true, warrants The Mountaineers'
action to address those factors suspected as contributors to
the problem.
Increased levels of "greenhouse" gases (C02, chlorofluorocarbons,
and methane, among others) and tropical deforestation are generally
agreed to be primary contributors to a hotter planet. Consequently
The Mountaineers should support increased auto efficiency (mpg)
standards, energy conservation, recycling and the banning of
CFCs (as is currently being considered) as important issues
in their own right and as ways to mitigate the greenhouse effect.
The Mountaineers should also fight deforestation and support
reforestation in industrial and developing nations for the same
reasons.
WHY THE MOUNTAINEERS SHOULD TAKE PROPOSED POSITION: Global
warming is generally conceded to be one of the most critical
environmental issues of this century and the next. Global
warming would have profound effects on land use, wilderness,
wildlife and water quality. Moreover, actions proposed to
counter the greenhouse effect are consistent with existing
Mountaineer policy.
board of- Trustees
SOURCE OF EXPERTISE: Members active in the Conservation Division
are in the process of educating themselves about this issue and
have connections with scientists at the University of Washington
to provide assistance with technical questions.
COALITIONS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS: Since there is not yet
a major coalition effort actively working on this issue at a
local level, this could be an opportunity for The Mountaineers to
a leadership role. Almost all ot our traditional environmental
allies are concerned about the greenhouse effect and would
doubtless work with us on legislative and other initiatives.
ANTICIPATED LEVEL OF SUPPORT: Support of legislation designed
to counter the greenhouse effect, support of related issues,
possible, involvement in a coalition effort. Letter to William
O'Reilly, director of the Environmental Protection Agency and
falso to President Bush.
TIMELINES AND ACTIVITY DESIRED: Several bills dealing with
this issue have been introduced in Congress. This will be an
ongoing issue and the club needs to establish a basic position
so that action can be taken as the need arises.
March 14, 1989
RE: Greenhouse Effect
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