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Opinion

WMD found -- in Earth's ozone layer 

Ursula Hawkins
Opinion Columnist

Scientists around the globe have acknowledged the recent increase in temperature is a result of human activity, and that the changes in weather, such as hotter summers and violent hurricane seasons, are only the beginning of what's to come if policy changes are not made. Time is running out ? the Earth's temperature is rising at alarming rates and Mother Nature's evil twin is knocking at the door.

The majority of the industrialized world, excluding the United States and Australia, has signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty introduced by the United Nations in 1997 with the goal of combating global warming by making countries that have signed commit to reducing the amount of greenhouse gases they emit. 

However, since the introduction of the treaty, no real progress has been made against global warming, and the world continues to look for answers. There is even $25 million up for grabs courtesy of Sir Richard Branson for the first scientist who can figure out how to extract carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, the Denver Post reported. 

Offering $25 million is a great way to encourage the search for a solution, but what the world really needs is teamwork and a leader to get the job started.

Other than casually using voluntary incentives to encourage companies to use more environmentally friendly production, the United States has not made any real commitment to combat the problem. 

As the biggest producer of greenhouse gases, we need to take the lead in the fight against global warming. 

This is too important of an issue for the United States to react passively. President Bush and his administration should be focusing on this issue instead of prioritizing and funding useless missions abroad. 

While there are other factors that contribute to rising temperatures, such as deforestation and an increase in the use of cars, there has to be a real starting point, and that starting point should begin with the American government. Companies that produce massive amounts of greenhouse gases should be forced to limit their production or face severe consequences. Their priority is to make as much money as possible, and that is not going to change with mere suggestions. Results will only be seen if the government puts mandatory guidelines in place. 

Although the rest of the world is attempting to make necessary changes, their efforts will be in vain if the United States continues to work half-heartedly and on its own.

The point of no return will eventually be reached, and future generations will have to suffer for our lack of urgency. Some people believe there is not enough money available to make a dent in the fight against global warming, but the cost of alternative energy methods, which would significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, are a small price to pay to secure the future of the planet. 

If sacrifices are not made today, lives will certainly be sacrificed in the future. 

Change will take place only when the entire world comes to an agreement on how to tackle global warming, and that will never be possible unless this country fully participates by leading the way. It is time for the Bush administration to realize the real weapon of mass destruction is global warming.

Hawkins, a communication/Spanish sophomore, 
can be reached via dccampus@mail.uh.edu