Global Warming is no longer a problem to be answered in the future - it must be addressed today. Science confirms that Global Warming is real, present and caused by human activity. The International Panel on Climate Change warns that, without intervention, temperatures may increase more than 10°F by the end of this century. As the world grows hotter, water resources will become scarcer and more seasonal. Increasingly frequent heat waves will be accompanied by intense storms, dangerous floods and severe drought. We must act quickly to prevent these worst-case scenarios, and we should begin by rethinking our energy sources. Currently, we rely almost exclusively on fossil fuels and nuclear energy, which accelerate climate change while contaminating our water resources with ionizing radiation, heavy metals and chemical pollution. In addition, these established energy production methods rely on a steady and reliable supply of water. In fact, the Department of Energy confirms energy production is the second highest water user in the country, exceeded only by agriculture. As Global Warming worsens and droughts become more common, our existing power plants may not be able to secure enough water to support energy production.

Solutions for a New Energy Economy
The IPCC warns that we must decrease our greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 in order to avoid the worst effects of global warming. We can reach this goal by developing a new energy economy and the policies to support this move. We must:

• Dramatically reduce our current reliance on fossil fuel based energy sources.
• Make the switch to renewable energy sources for electricity, such as wind and solar.
• Increase efficiency and use of alternative fuel sources in the transportation sector and increase use of public transportation.
• Institute immediate energy efficiency and conservation measures, which reap benefits quickly and economically.

Our Work
Clean Water Action is working to make a clean, renewable energy economy a reality in Minnesota and on the national level. We advocate for strong, science-based policies both in the State Legislature and Congress.
In the state, Clean Water Action advocates for a variety of clean energy policies, focused primarily on Cap, Auction and Trade legislation - to reduce Global Warming pollution quickly and effectively.
On the national level, Clean Water Action has partnered with the 1Sky Campaign, which is a bold, national movement for climate solutions. In order to achieve its goal of passing meaningful national climate legislation by 2010, 1Sky is working with allies across Minnesota and the US to unite Americans behind a clear vision and a simple platform for solutions at the scale of the problem. The 1Sky policy platform is designed to do what our best scientists say is necessary to stabilize our endangered climate and revitalize our economy.

The 1Sky priorities are:

• Reduce Global Warming pollution at least 25% below 1990 levels by 2020 and at least 80% by 2050
• Create 5 million new green jobs and pathways out of poverty focused on climate solutions and energy efficiency
• Impose a moratorium on new coal plants that emit Global Warming pollution and end our dependence on oil through strong standards and incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy

Take Action with the 1Sky Campaign
We believe that educating our communities and organizing within them are the tools for success. To get active, contact organizer Jenna Garland about hosting a (free) Global Warming House Party in your home, church, or organization to learn more about what we can do as individuals to decrease our energy use and help mitigate Global Warming.
Sign our pledge and learn more.

Victories
In 2007, Governor Pawlenty signed the 2007 Next Generation Energy Act, which requires that 25% of electricity produced by Minnesota utilities come from clean, renewable energy sources by 2025. This bill also created the Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group, charged with creating an action plan for Governor Pawlenty and the Minnesota State Legislature in early 2008.
Minnesota passed on of the strongest Renewable Energy Standard in the US in 2007. It requires Minnesota electricity companies to derive 25% of their power from clean, renewable sources by 2020.