The science supports the notion that human activites are disrupting the balance of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, resulting in global climate alterations. A recent Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) report estimates that the earth may warm anywhere between 2.5 to 10.4 degrees F over the next century. The world's leading atmospheric scientists are telling us that global warming is already occurring and the hottest 10 years on record have all occurred since 1980, with 1998 recorded as the hottest year ever.
Two decisions by the new Administration have spurred intense discussion in recent weeks: to back away from addressing carbon dioxide in a comprehensive multi-pollutant approach; and second, to oppose the Kyoto agreement on global warming. Like many of my colleagues, I was disappointed with these decisions. This was not because I thought the Kyoto Protocol was a flawless document -- the negotiations at the Hague illustrated that future work was necessary to reach a consensus on several aspects of Kyoto accord. Instead, the Kyoto Protocol is a good framework for future negotiations on global climate policy. Without the foundation, the rest is tenuous.
I am interested in learning from our witnesses today where the scientific consensus lies on climate change; what effects humans may have on the change and how quickly it may occur; and what options may exist for stabilizing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Committee and in the Senate as we review the science and determine the best course of action for addressing greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change.