John Kerry - United States Senator for Massachusetts : Press Room
The Senator’s full floor statement, as prepared, is below:
...Mr. President, the danger we face could not be more real. In the United States, a calculated campaign of disinformation has steadily beaten back the consensus momentum for action on climate change and replaced it with timidity by proponents in the face of millions of dollars of phony, contrived "talking points," illogical and wholly unscientific propositions and a general scorn for the truth wrapped in false threats about job loss and taxes.
...Just think about it: If the proponents of action were somehow incorrect, contrary to all that science declares, but nevertheless we proceeded to reduce carbon and other gases released into the atmosphere, what is the worst that would happen? Well, under that scenario the "worst" will be more jobs; the opening of a whole new $6 trillion dollar energy market with a more sustainable policy; a healthier population because of cleaner air and reduced expenditure on health care because of environmentally induced disease; an improved outlook for the oceans and ecosystems affected by pollution falling to earth and sea; and surely, greater security for our country because of less dependence on foreign sources of energy and a stronger economy. That's the worst that will happen. And what if the naysayers are, in fact, wrong as all science says they are? What if, because of their ignorance, we failed to take the action we should—what is the worst then? The worst then, is sheer, utter disaster for the planet and all who inhabit it. So whose "worst" would most thinking people rather endure?
...The conspiracy of silence that now characterizes Washington's handling of the climate issue is dangerous. Climate change is one of two or three of the most serious threats our country now faces, if not the most serious, and the silence that has enveloped a once robust debate is staggering for its irresponsibility...
All you need to do is look out your window.
...And at the Boston Marathon, temperatures hit 89 degrees Fahrenheit, more than 30 degrees higher than average. Official jackets, gloves and coffee? Are you kidding? How about hats, sunscreen and Gatorade—and medical tents filled with heat-exhausted runners starting at mile ten of the 26-mile course from Main Street in Hopkinton to Bolyston Street in Boston.
...Frankly, those who look for any excuse to continue challenging the science have a fundamental responsibility that they have never fulfilled: Prove us wrong or stand down. Prove that the pollution we put in the atmosphere is not having the harmful effect we know it is. Tell us where the gases go and what they do. Pony up one single, cogent, legitimate, scholarly analysis. Prove that the ocean isn’t actually rising; prove that the ice caps aren’t melting, that deserts aren’t expanding. And prove that human beings have nothing to do with any of it.
And by the way—good luck in the effort! Because there are over 6,000 peer-reviewed articles, all of which document clearly and irrefutably the ways in which mankind is contributing to this problem. Sure we know the naysayers have their two-bit scientists who trade in doubt and misdirection about things like sun spots and clouds. But there’s not a single credible scientist that will argue climate change isn’t happening.
...I want to take a moment to drill down on the science—on the cold, hard, stubborn facts that must guide us in addressing this challenge. I know it’s detailed, but it’s the very detail detractors can never address or refute and it’s important to see the detail in all its cumulative force. Unlike the naysayers, I will respond point by point to the falsehoods and lay out a summary of critical evidence that should lead America—and the world—to action. [Via Mark T]
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