The Climate Stewardship Act, created by Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) will be voted on in a few weeks in the wake of the global warming controversy. It’s the first comprehensive plan for reducing the U.S. emissions of heat-trapping gases that contribute to global warming. The CSA calls for setting mandatory limits on emissions from relevant sectors of the economy and encourages an increase in energy efficiency and clean renewable electricity generation.

Finally, a burning issue that lawmakers and other special interest groups have tried to ignore or downplay just gets hotter.

In April, a Gallup poll conducted by the Aspen Times reported that Americans are well aware of global warming but don’t care.

This Gallup organization measured concern over environmental issues between March 8-11 and found that 51 percent of Americans worry “a great deal” or a “fair amount” about warming. That’s down from 58 percent in March 2003. Another Gallup poll ranked concern for the environment against other major issues. Apparently everything from health care to gay marriage to terrorism, the economy, unemployment and illegal immigration issues seems to have been distracting us, but we can’t allow the glaring reality of global warming to pale in comparison.

The real issue boils down to the question of whether global warming is part of a natural cycle of cooling and heating or a phenomenon detrimental to our natural resources and our lives. Critics of the crisis capitalize on the “scientific uncertainties.”

Scientists from the Environmental Protection Agency acknowledge some uncertainties, but point out that not all things are equally uncertain.

That certain human activities are changing the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere is a fact: A warming trend of about one degree Fahrenheit has been recorded since the late 19th century. Warming has occurred in both the northern and southern hemispheres and over the oceans.

Confirmation of 20th century global warming is further substantiated by melting glaciers, decreased snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere and warming below ground. Scientists generally believe that the combustion of fossil fuels is the primary reason for the increased concentration of carbon dioxide.

As the world population increases, more fossil fuels are burned to run cars and trucks, heat homes and businesses and factories. Those are responsible for about 98 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. The extent of the damage to our planet is unknown. Yes, unknown, but most likely substantial.

Given the choice of trusting either a scientist or a politician, trust that which is based on proven empirical data and the laws of nature that never change, not people desperate to keep their jobs or win votes.

The loudest critics of the crisis of global warming are those who have vested interests in the industries that burn the fossil fuels and drill for oil. The Union of Concerned Scientists formed a list of other, more recent organizations masquerading as advocates for the environment whose real agendas involve persuading the general public that increased concentrations of greenhouse gases are beneficial and all scientific studies warning of danger are flawed.

For example, Global Climate Coalition, formed in 1989 by 46 corporations and trade associations representing all major elements of U.S. industry.

The Greening Earth Society was founded on Earth Day in 1998 by the Western Fuels Association to promote the view that increasing levels of greenhouse gases are good and coal is the best energy source we have.

Cooler Heads Coalition gives a voice to those who balk that restricting and regulating their energy use would be “depriving us of our rights and lowering our standard of living.”

Scientists have repeatedly warned us that increased greenhouse gas emissions from industry and individual use are definitely a problem. That alone should be enough to prompt action; the extent and severity are irrelevant. The problem is that since natural resources don’t belong to anyone, no one believes it to be their personal responsibility to conserve energy, serve as an example or be an advocate for any environmental issue.

Individuals can make a huge difference in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption in their own homes. The EPA suggests using compact fluorescent lights instead of regular light bulbs. Use low-flow faucets in your showers and sinks. Replace toilets with water-saving lavatories. Lower the temperature on your hot water tank to 120 degrees.

Americans need to learn respect for natural resources, exercise responsibility in taking care of them and get an attitude adjustment in a self-serving, living-for-the-moment culture where the almighty dollar is more important than clean air and water.