Despite broad agreement about the dangers of global warming and climate change, the details of the problem and the solutions are obscure even to many highly-informed and concerned citizens. We intend to make the issues and choices clear and accessible. We disagree on some details of the required solutions, but we agree on the problem and we agree on the need for all of us to understand the choices in front of us.

We all know that greenhouse gas emissions are making our environment increasingly difficult for mankind, with no end to the escalating challenges yet in sight. The purposes of this forum are to: (1) identify clearly the source of our greatest environmental challenge: the burning of fossil fuels and the concomitant release of CO2 into our ecosystem; (2) spell out the two principal ways (carbon tax and carbon cap) the challenge can be addressed through societal action; (3) enumerate the areas of legitimate disagreement among informed and concerned environmentalists as to how to address the issue; and (4) spell out what initiatives and legislation are contemplated or active nationally and within the northeastern region of the US.

Speakers

• Mike Shatzkin (moderator): Professional education specialist, political activist, FFDC member
• Philip Kahn: Expert, carbon tax advocate; PhD in Atmospheric Science from the University of Washington; co-leader of the New York chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby
• Eric Cesnik: Attorney, carbon cap advocate; former policy staffer for Howard Dean