Five Big Ideas for the Environment for 2007 (Environmental Defense)

[pinto]

Five Big Ideas for the Environment for 2007

Our program experts offer ideas for environmental progress
Posted on: 11/14/2006

We have some big ideas for the new Congress to consider.

We've asked some of our program experts to weigh in. They've helped us put together this list of five big ideas for 2007.

This is not a comprehensive list of our work, but reflects some of our national priorities, particularly focused on policies we think the new Congress will (or should) consider next year.

After reading our list, tell us what you think. Vote for your favorite idea using the voting tool on this page.

Big idea #1: Fight global warming AND grow the economy
Big idea #2: Protect endangered species by working with landowners
Big idea #3: Reward farmers for conservation-friendly farming
Big idea #4: Create a trust fund for the oceans
Big idea #5: Protect Gulf Coast communities AND wildlife by restoring coastal wetlands

Founded in 1967 as the Environmental Defense Fund, or EDF, we speak for 500,000 members. We find innovative, practical ways to solve the most urgent environmental problems.

Copyright © 2006 Environmental Defense. All Rights Reserved.
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http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?contentID=5607&linkID=100

[XemaSab]

1. Why do we have to vote?

Almost all of them seem to tie into partnering with business and the public to achieve environmental goals, which I think is a great idea.

The only idea that I think is shitty is creating the trust fund. That sounds like a one way ticket to pissed-off donors, misspent funds, everyone being cranky, and nothing getting done. :shrug:

[phantom power]

2. I mostly agree with XS (why choose?) but I vote for #1...

Mostly because other conservation efforts will be rendered moot if climate change isn't dealt with. You can save land and habitat (maybe), but you can't protect it from climate change. A recent example would be coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Then again, if I combine that observation with my other observation -- that climate change appears to be fait accompli -- and the realistic scenario is that we will have to do some serious knife-juggling to save anything at all.