Fighting Global Warming Top Priority, Babbitt Says

The United States will actively fight global warming through the implementation of new policies said Bruce E. Babbitt, U.S. secretary of the interior last night.

About 200 people attended the lecture titled "Global Warning: A Call to Action on Climate Change" which was held in the Geological Lecture Hall.

"I think that leaders all over the world are recognizing the importance of this issue," Babbitt said.

Babbitt's speech comes in the wake of President Clinton's announcement on Wednesday of a proposal to fight global warming in the 21st century.

The proposal will be discussed at an upcoming international environmental conference in Kyoto, Japan, Babbitt said.

In 1989, the U.S. signed the Montreal Protocol, which restricted the use of ozone-depleting freon and CDCs. The Protocol is the model for this year's conference in Kyoto, he added.

Babbitt said that the Clinton Administration is fully committed to taking a strong stand against global warming.

"It goes straight to the issue of our obligation to respect creation," he said.

Babbitt said the U.S. timetable calls for a return to 1990 ozone levels by the years 2008-2012.

"History presents a sense of optimism that we can get this done," Babbitt said.

To achieve these lower ozone levels, the U.S. will encourage businesses to change their environmental policies. The encouragement will come in the form of tax reductions and other incentives, he said.

During his address, Babbitt asked audience members for their support in overcoming environmental problems.

"All of you who are in the midst of the trajectory of your education here have a responsibility to help us explain this phenomenon to the public," he said.

Many of the audience members said they were pleased with Babbitt's words.

"For me, his speech inspired a sense of confidence," said Kristin E. Sorenson, a senior University development officer. "It's good to have someone in office who knows about the subject matter as well as the politics."

Babbitt said that the success of the proposal lies with the American public.

"We've known about the greenhouse effect for 100 years," he said. "We need to begin fighting it right now.

Babbitt said that the success of the proposal lies with the American public.

"We've known about the greenhouse effect for 100 years," he said. "We need to begin fighting it right now.