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Printed From Acorn-Online.com Wilton Bulletin
“Global warming” makes one think of a problem that is anything but local, but a presentation at the library on Thursday, Oct. 25, demonstrated to a crowd of 50 that the issue is one that could hit entirely close to home. The film “The Warming of Connecticut” capped off October as Energy Awareness Month, and First Selectmen William Brennan, in introducing the film, said now is the time to act to stop global warming. “At this point, it’s very clear: we must reduce energy consumption,” said Mr. Brennan. “It is time for all of us to get serious.” The film spoke about some of the effects global warming might have on Connecticut in the coming years. For instance, a study was done of what temperatures could be expected in Hartford if fossil fuel emissions continue at their current rate versus if emissions were cut back. Today, there are on average two days over 100 degrees in Hartford. In 100 years, if fossil fuels are emitted at the current rate, there will be 28 days over 100 degrees, whereas if emissions are cut back, there will be eight days over 100 degrees, according to the film. “There’s a future where there’s not going to be a lot of snow in Connecticut,” said Cameron Wake, a research associate professor at the University of New Hampshire. But the trouble goes beyond hot weather. Mr. Wake said “Greenland could disintegrate over the course of the next 50 to 100 years. It’s not outside the realm of possibility.” He said if that happens, oceans would rise 20 feet, which would lead to hardship for Connecticut cities such as New Haven or Bridgeport. But while the news may be dire, the film was also about hope. The film mentioned that if “every house in the United States replaced a light bulb with a compact florescent bulb, it’s like one million cars off the road.” In addition, one can offset fossil fuel emissions through supporting forests that are used to trap carbon dioxide. Connecticut has also taken the lead in trying to combat global warming through such measures as mandating stricter emission standards on new cars. But Michael Lindberg, chair of Wilton’s Energy Commission, said “we can’t wait for government to take action,” and recommended reducing the amount of driving one does, turning back the thermostat, and signing up for the CTCleanEnergyOptions program. The program allows customers of United Illuminating and Connecticut Light and Power to opt to have their energy use offset by clean energy being put into the power grid. For every 100 residents who sign up for the program, two solar panels will be provided by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund for the town’s use. Rob Wall, director of marketing for the fund and a panelist at the discussion following the film, said “we’re likely to increase and improve upon the program” of distributing the panels. Rudy Marconi, Ridgefield’s first selectman and a panelist, said that while Ridgefield had approved a resolution stating his town would get 20% of its power by 2010 from clean energy sources, other towns like Wilton must also approve the resolution. “We need to lead by example. We need to fight these issues on a regional basis,” said Mr. Marconi. Another way to help fight global warming was to come up with public transportation solutions, said Second Selectman Hal Clark. “We need to improve the infrastructure itself,” said Mr. Marconi in agreement. “We’re way behind on public transportation.” Mr. Brennan said the improvements to the Norwalk-Danbury rail line were “happening at the same rate as the polar ice caps melting” but that it was important to keep trying to bring about the improvements. Brendan Hanrahan, panelist and executive officer of CT EarthNet, said residents should get involved with the writing of the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, which is currently being considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission. “There is the potential for communities to realize a vision,” said Mr. Hanrahan. By emphasizing “long-term sustainability” in the plan, Wilton can be a leader in addressing global warming and reducing its energy use, he said. © Copyright 2007 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers |
