In January 2005, the International Climate Change Taskforce, which was established by three leading think tanks including the Center for American Progress, released its report” Meeting the Climate Challenge.” The Taskforce was co-chaired by Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Stephen Byers, a member of the British Parliament. Its members included scientists and politicians from Australia, China, Malaysia, France, and Germany. The report represents an important starting point for progressives on climate, and Climate Progress will try to build on its work.
The report begins by noting:
The international consensus of scientific opinion, led by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, is agreed that global temperature is increasing and that the main cause is the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere as a result of human activities. Scientific opinion is also agreed that the threat posed will become more severe over coming decades.
The cost of failing to act will be high:
Language Intelligence: Lessons on persuasion from Jesus, Shakespeare, Lincoln, and Lady Gaga
