The need for serious action on climate change is urgent and palpable and our country is demanding collaborative, innovative solutions to the problem. Friday’s vote, while short of the 60 votes needed, shows significant progress since previous votes on climate change.

It is also clear from the debate and statements issued by Senators that the Senate is becoming increasingly aware that climate change is an imminent and unprecedented threat both to natural systems and to the hundreds of millions of people who depend upon those systems for their livelihoods, health and welfare. Whether in the Western states facing drought and forest loss, amidst the melting permafrost of Alaska, in coastal states facing sea level rise, or in the center of the country that could lose prime wildlife habitat and face a more inhospitable climate, global warming promises to affect us all. We feel this threat especially acutely at The Nature Conservancy because as stewards of treasured places, our mission involves us in tangible conservation projects in communities in every state and in 34 other countries.

Senators Boxer, Lieberman, Warner and Reid put forth thoughtful legislation that reflects the complexity of this crisis, and recognizes the important links between climate action, conservation, and human well-being. They, and others who have worked to advance and improve this legislation, should be applauded for their work to find common ground on this critical issue. Businesses, faith-based organizations, conservation groups, hunters, anglers, labor unions, small-town mayors and big-state governors have all embraced the call to action represented by this bill.

We understand that this is a complex matter. We encourage Senators to continue work to refine important provisions in this bill. The Nature Conservancy stands ready to provide scientific and policy information gathered from our experience in the field that will advance the debate and improve the next iteration of this legislation.

With each step in this process, we move further ahead in the journey — more votes, more support, and a more comprehensive approach to meeting the challenge of a changing climate. No matter which party takes over in the Oval Office next year, we know that climate change will be on the agenda. It should be a critical part of the next President’s strategy for the first 100 days so that we can act in time to avoid the even more serious impacts that will come from delay.

Stephanie Meeks is the acting president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 9th, 2008 at 1:45 pm and is filed under Uncategorized .