Panel stresses global warming threat to Boundary Waters

The event was sponsored by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy and Fresh Energy, a nonprofit working for energy independence in Minnesota. The three speakers included Paul Douglas of WCCO-TV; Lee Frelich, a BWCAW expert from the University of Minnesota; and J. Drake Hamilton, the science policy director of Fresh Energy.

The overflow audience also included four state representatives, three of them from Minneapolis.

Douglas, a nationally respected meteorologist and columnist for the Star Tribune, began the lecture with an overview of climate change, stressing that "this [issue] has nothing to do with politics; it has everything to do with science." Global warming is largely human-induced, he said, and efforts need to be made to change that through sustainability and taking personal responsibility.

Douglas aimed to convince the audience global warming actually is occurring, and he took partial blame for the lack of public acceptance of the issue. In reference to the media, he said, "we've really muddied up this topic over the years." Efforts to be objective have given a handful of skeptics credit, when most have never been published, he said.

Frelich spoke about the possible effects global warming could have on the Boundary Waters. Climate change is going to alter what plant species the BWCAW can support. The introduction of exotic animal species, often because of increased temperatures, is accelerating the alteration of the forest. The solution, said Frelich, is to "do everything possible to reduce global warming and the movement of invasive species."

How to reduce global warming is a complicated issue because it concerns our everyday lifestyles. Hamilton spoke about how individuals can fight global warming through recycling, buying Energy Star appliances, and buying green power from local utilities, which are required to offer such opportunities. Most important, said Hamilton, is to "speak out." Buy local and drive less, but encourage similar activities in your school, business and church.

Hamilton also noted that Senate resolutions and government policies are necessary to cut emissions of fossil fuels, the number-one contributor to global warming. In Minnesota, seven cities—Minneapolis, St. Paul, Apple Valley, Eden Prarie, Duluth, Rochester and Turtle River—have joined in the U.S. Mayors Climate Change Agreement in efforts to combat global warming. .

Minnesotans can also increase their use of wind energy. Currently, only 3 percent of Minnesota power comes from the wind, said Hamilton, whereas several comparably sized countries in Europe use wind for 20 to 30 percent of their energy.

Much can be done in Minnesota to combat global warming, but people must first voice their concerns. By relating a global issue to the local level of the BWCAW, sponsors were able to fill the house with concerned residents, educating them on the importance of the issue at hand. "We can do in this state for energy what we did for health care," said Douglas.