[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[November 11, 2000]
[Page 2521]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 2521]]


The President's Internet Address
November 11, 2000

    Next week representatives from around the world will gather to help 
shape an international response to one of the greatest challenges we 
face, the threat of global warming. Today I want to talk with you about 
what this challenge means for the United States and how we can meet it 
together. The scientific consensus is clear: The Earth is warming, and 
there is strong evidence that human activity is part of the reason why.
    Today I received a report from some of our leading scientists that 
provides the most detailed assessment ever of the potential impacts of 
global warming across the United States. This landmark report, 
undertaken at the request of Congress, pulls together a great deal of 
scientific analysis and paints a sobering picture of the future.
    Scientists project that continued growth in greenhouse gas emissions 
could raise temperatures across our country by 5 to 9 degrees over the 
next 100 years. To put that in perspective, the Earth has not seen a 
temperature change of that magnitude since the end of the last ice age, 
about 15,000 years ago. This new study makes clear that this projected 
warming threatens serious harm to our environment and to our economy. It 
could mean more flooding, more droughts, more extreme weather, and a 
serious disruption in water supplies.
    It could mean rising sea levels, the loss of species, and the 
destruction of entire ecosystems such as the Alpine meadows of the Rocky 
Mountains. What's more, the scientists warn, there may be many other 
impacts that we simply cannot predict.
    Fortunately, there are steps we can take now to help avert these 
threats to our future. That's why for the past 8 years Vice President 
Gore and I have pursued commonsense strategies to reduce greenhouse gas 
pollution. We've expanded research and development of solar, wind, 
biofuels, and other renewable energy resources.
    We've taken dramatic steps to reduce energy use by the Federal 
Government, the world's largest energy consumer. We've adopted stronger 
energy-efficient standards for appliances and forged new alliances with 
industry, including the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles. 
These are all steps that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving 
consumers money and strengthening our economy.
    But we must do more. That is why today I'm calling for a dramatic 
new approach to reducing air pollution from America's powerplants, a 
comprehensive new clean air strategy that will produce significant 
reductions in the emissions that contribute to global warming.
    By adopting one integrated strategy that addresses all the major 
pollutants--including mercury and carbon dioxide, the largest 
contributor to global warming--we can give electric utilities the 
flexibility they need to meet our clean air goals in a cost-effective 
way. A key part of this strategy is the use of emissions trading, which 
has proven so effective in curbing the pollution that causes acid rain. 
There is strong bipartisan support for this approach, and I urge the 
next Congress to take it up as soon as possible.
    As we accelerate our efforts here at home, we are committed to 
working with other nations to take strong and sensible action to curb 
global warming. As the world comes together next week in The Hague, the 
United States will work to make real progress toward a treaty that is 
both environmentally strong and cost-effective. We must continue to move 
forward together. The stakes of not acting are simply too high.
    Thanks for logging on.

Note: The address was recorded at 11:45 a.m. on November 10 in the Map 
Room at the White House for broadcast at 8 a.m. on November 11. The 
transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on 
November 10 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast.