As Effects of Global Warming Result in Dramatic Climate Change, U.S. Continues to Resist Reduction of Greenhouse Gases

Interview with Bill McKibben, environmentalist and author, conducted by Melinda Tuhus

In 1989, environmentalist Bill McKibben wrote "The End of Nature," the first book about global warming written for a popular, rather than a scientific, audience. He noted some of the changes already apparent from global warming and predicted the dire consequences if the world didn't reduce its use of fossil fuels. He concluded the book by writing, "The only thing we absolutely must do is cut back immediately on our use of fossil fuels." Since then, the world - both developing and industrialized nations - have significantly increased their use of fossil fuels. The vast majority of climatologists agree that global warming is a real phenomenon, not just a theory, and recent events -- like sustained record high temperatures and the massive die-off of the world's coral reefs -- continue to drive that reality home. However, most people still don't see global warming as directly impacting their lives.

Now, at the end of 2003, the U.S. Congress is poised to pass a comprehensive energy bill. While the legislation does not permit oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- which was a litmus test for support or opposition in previous versions of the bill -- it is seen by many as a giveaway to the fossil fuel and nuclear power industries.

Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus recently spoke with Bill McKibben about the current state of the earth's climate, its impact on humans, and what he thinks can be done at this stage to alter a worst-case scenario.

For more information, go to Bill McKibben's website at: www.billmckibben.com

Related links


"Partisan Power Loss," by Harvey Wasserman, Mother Jones, Nov. 19, 2003

"New View of Data Supports Human Link to Global Warming," by Andrew C. Revkin, The New York Times, Nov. 18, 2003

"Changes Sought in Energy Bill," by Reuters, Nov. 17, 2003

"Energy Measure Would Limit Liability of MTBE Producers," by Richard Simon, Los Angeles Times, Nov. 16, 2003

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