The first step to solving any problem is to acknowledge that it exists. Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski recently outlined the effects that climate change is having on her state and acknowledged that humans are largely to blame. Despite this acknowledgement, Murkowski has yet to endorse any policy that would cap the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the US.

In a speech at the Catholic University Law School in Washington, DC, Murkowski said: “I believe there is now almost universal acceptance that our planet is warming. “While the extent of anthropogenic influence on our climate may remain in debate, I believe it is a reality that man is contributing to the current warming trend.”

The Republican Senator, who has consistently voted against legislation to limit carbon emissions, has cited examples of coastal erosion, diminished snow pack and an unusual infestation of spruce bark beetles that has killed three million acres of forest, as having negative impacts on the people and environment of Alaska.

Alaska has not put in place any regulations for controlling carbon emissions. Some other US states have agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions as part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

Murkowski is instead looking to the Bush Administration to prove that its approach, which involves the trading of new energy technologies with China, India and other countries, will be successful in limiting the affect of climate change.

The Administration fears that any caps to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions will hamper economic growth.

Nigel Allan
nallan@wwf.no