Environmental groups all have the same idea on climate change, that this is the year we get to work.

I’m not sure what that means.  We spent last year pressuring lawmakers to lead on climate change, and they didn’t.  They did nothing to stop climate change, and even fought the few things the EPA is doing.  What will be different this year? 350.org has the idea to start locally and get local leaders to do things, but that won’t stop climate change.  In fact, it’s too late to stop climate change, since it’s already happening.  We can still pressure lawmakers to act but they won’t stop what’s happening with our climate because they are getting no public pressure to do anything.  The latest I read about it today is that Obama plans on a modified, moderate cap and trade approach, which will do nothing at all for climate change and in fact, might make it worse. I’m not optimistic at all.

In fact, I just began to read Bill McKibben’s new book, Eaarth, and he’s not optimistic either. (See this video from DemocracyNow from the April 15th interview with McKibben). Bill McKibben, the founder of 350.org, also feels it’s too late to prevent climate change, that it’s just beginning to happen, and that we must try to adapt to climate change. That is doable if there is a 1-2 degree temperature increase. If the temperature rises more than that, no one knows if humans can adapt at all. We may be on our way to extinction, because there is nothing presently stopping the rise in temperature. March 2010 was the hottest March ever recorded. (See post below)

Here’s someone you should read instead of me, someone who is still optimistic, from e360.

Beyond the Limits of Earth Day: Turning Up the Heat on Climate

This month marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, an event that has attracted millions to environmental causes. But winning passage of meaningful legislation on climate change requires more than slogans and green talk — it demands intense, determined political action.

by Denis Hayes

. . . In 21st century American democracy, massive public support is certainly desirable, especially over the long run. But what really counts with Congress is intensity.

A huge majority of Americans favor gun control, for example. According to the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, four out of five believe a police permit should be required for the purchase of a firearm.

But a small, intense set of Second Amendment absolutists will vote against any politician who favors such an approach. In most elections, a dedicated group of 10 percent, or even 5 percent, of voters can tilt the outcome. So politicians cater to the position whose supporters are most intense — who make sure a politician aligns with them on [...]