Political Quotes

“it is an unfortunate reality--perhaps bordering on negligence--that Congress has been unable to do something about climate change. How will our grandchildren look back at our inaction when they inherit a changed planet--one that we found too politically inconvenient to help avoid? Thankfully, this President has shown leadership on this issue, but we must do more. Recently, I offered a simple piece of legislation--one that has traditionally been very bipartisan--that can help take another common sense step and at the same time improve the lives of millions overseas. The bill helps two friends of the United States overcome the devastating impacts of deforestation: Haiti and Armenia. Our forests provide resources for almost two-thirds of all species on the planet, offering shelter, food, fresh water, and medicines. Forests help with biodiversity, water conservation, soil enrichment, and climate regulation. Forests cover 30 percent of the world's land area, but we still lose swaths the size of entire countries--about 12-15 million hectares--each year. In fact, approximately 76 percent of our world's original primary forests have been destroyed or degraded. And deforestation alone accounts for up to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. That is because forests take carbon out of the air, and in turn, replenish the atmosphere with oxygen. Forests help settle out or trap dust, ash, smoke, and other harmful pollutants.…”