With our elections coming to a dramatic close, it might be a good time start voicing concerns surrounding an equally important issue. This week 175 countries will be attending the United Nations Convention on Climate Change in The Hague, Netherlands. Together they will continue work on the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty to cut global emissions of greenhouse gasses.

Global warming is already underway. Every year that fact becomes more apparent. While the rest of the world is pushing for a strong treaty to stop global warming, the United States has been working hard to weaken it with loopholes. Our negotiators are neglecting the environment, and promoting subsidies and credits for unclean, destructive energy industries such as coal and nuclear power.

As the leading polluter of global warming gases, we should be working on sustainable and renewable solutions, not stonewalling the negotiations.

I am one of six students from Iowa who will be attending negotiations in The Hague. We are joining 200 other U.S. students to observe U.S. negotiators and stress the importance of taking decisive action to stop global warming.

The United States needs to protect our future and all citizens of the world, not private and corporate interest.

The oceans are rising, mountain glaciers are shrinking, low-lying coastal areas are eroding and the very timing of the seasons is changing. It’s time to take responsibility for our actions and their effects on future generations before it’s too late. Visit www.ClimateVoice.org and send a message to our negotiators letting them know where you stand.

Rachel Hein

Senior

Graphic design