Glenn Reynolds: The climate change jet set

Professor Glenn Reynolds has some practical suggestions on fighting climate change from those who believe in it:

First, no more jetting around. Congress should provide that no federal money — either at agencies or at institutions receiving federal funds — should pay for travel to attend conferences or meetings. Sure, participating in a Webinar isn’t as much fun as jetting off to a plush hotel, but the carbon footprint is much lower. The savings could be redirected to fund alternative energy projects.

Second, to set an example, no air conditioning in federal offices. Sure, it’s uncomfortable without it, but we won World War II with mostly un-air conditioned offices, so we can manage without A/C today. (Besides, according to Washington Post columnist Petula Dvorak, air conditioning is sexist.)


Third, no more fundraising jaunts on Air Force One. Typically, presidents schedule a fundraiser, then find an elementary school or something to tour in the same town to make the trip “official business.” Congress should provide that no fundraising appearances can be made on any presidential trip charged to the taxpayers. (Since Barack Obama is on his way out, and we don’t know what party the next president will be from, now is a good time to make this rule without seeming partisan. We could even delay it until January of 2017).

Fourth, no more UN conferences except online. I mentioned Skype, right?

An article well worth your time.