New Government Images Show Arctic Sea Ice is Receding

Leading Climate Scientists Call for Action to Curb Global Warming

by: NRDC 14 September 2006

WASHINGTON (September 13, 2006) -- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Snow and Ice Data Center today released new images showing that Arctic sea ice is receding.

The latest sign of global warming pollution also served as fresh warning that the habitat of polar bears continues to shrink.

Below are statements from two leading climate scientists:

"It is not too late to save the Arctic, but it requires that we begin to slow CO2 emissions this decade," said Dr. James E. Hansen, director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. "Polar species are among the first to be threatened by climate change, because there is no place colder for them to migrate to."

"This is yet another wake-up call to Washington that we need real measures to curb global warming pollution," said Dr. Daniel Lashof, science director of the Climate Center at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). "The good news is that we know how to stop global warming. With energy efficiency, more fuel-efficient vehicles, a greater reliance on biofuels and renewable sources of energy, we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide pollution by at least half by 2050. We have the tools to solve the problem. All we need now is action."