FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: CATHY BACILE
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009
(517) 333-1606
Scientists’ letter: Cut CO2 pollution, protect Michigan’s future
LANSING – More than 150 scientists, researchers and academics from across Michigan have signed a letter of support calling on Michigan’s U.S. representatives and senators to take action against climate change and support measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The landmark letter represents the first time so many scientists and researchers from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds have come together to call on Michigan’s congressional delegation to support climate change solutions.
Coming from diverse disciplines, the scientists and researchers work at various institutions, including the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and others. Signatories to the letter include renowned experts in biology, agriculture, chemistry, forestry, zoology, meteorology and climatology, and more.
“Climate change puts Michigan’s economy, jobs, Great Lakes and our quality of life at risk,” said Professor Knute Nadelhoffer of the University of Michigan and an expert on ecology and biology. “We urge Michigan’s congressional leaders to take action now and protect Michigan from climate change.”
The scientists are speaking to the public to inform them about the importance of federal protections against greenhouse gas emissions, climate change and their impact on public health, the Great Lakes and Michigan’s economy.
“As scientists living and working in colleges and universities in the state of Michigan, we urge the Michigan congressional delegation to support strong federal policies for rapid and deep reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases,” the scientists said in the letter dated May 13. “We are convinced that immediate action is necessary to avoid the worst consequences of global warming on Michigan’s economy and environment, including the Great Lakes. While slowing the damaging effects of climate change poses enormous challenges, we also believe such action presents Michigan with real opportunities to reinvigorate our economy and improve the quality of life for all Michiganders.”
Altogether, signers included nearly 70 scientists and professors from the University of Michigan and more than 60 from Michigan State University. Signers also included professors from Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Kalamazoo College, Michigan Tech University and Calvin College.
The letter was delivered last week to Michigan’s two U.S. senators and 15 U.S. representatives. The letter is attached.
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