Yes Nancy, you will be able to see Shanghai in the future

if greenhouse gas emissions are brought under control within the next 10 years,
This week NASA's top climate scientist Dr. James Hansen delivered a stern warning: "I think we have a very brief window of opportunity to deal with climate change ... no longer than a decade, at the most." This statement followed the release of two NASA studies reporting that Arctic permanent sea ice melting had accelerated more than 30 times. In the last two years 14% of perennial sea ice has disappeared. The Arctic ecosystem with its polar bears, ice-living seals, mammals, fishery, and Inuit culture may vanish in just a few years.

if we launch a massive "Manhattan Project" against global warming,
To lower greenhouse emissions by 60-80% a massive multi-trillion dollar effort akin to the World War II "Manhattan Project" is necessary. Although there is legislation before Congress and a few State resolutions, no effort of this magnitude appears likely in the near term.

if the United States becomes a world leader in controlling global warming,
The United States must become a leader in controlling global warming in order to set an example and provide technology to countries around the world. The United States emits a quarter of greenhouse gases and has cumulatively put into the atmosphere more carbon dioxide than any other country. However, last year the United States led the world in wind power installation and will have one of the world's largest solar power plants to be constructed in New Mexico.

if governments at all levels, corporations, and institutions take responsibility to fight global warming,
To successfully bring global warming under control governments at all levels, corporations, and institutions must take responsibility and participate in replacing fossil fuel burning with renewable energy technology. Investing now in conservation and efficiency can greatly reduce fossil fuel use. Carbon caps, carbon trading, and incentives for green manufacturers and consumers should be instituted.

if men, women, and children everywhere undertake to save the planet,
Global warming is already impacting many communities around the world and will ultimately affect every man, woman, and child due to climate change, more intense storms, spreading disease, desertification, water and food shortages, and rising oceans. People everywhere must take responsibility and join the fight to save the planet.

if we can comprehend and change our lifestyles,
Difficult as it is we must understand how our every action impacts the Earth in order to bring our lifestyles to sustainability. Instead of using resources as if there were 5 planets, we must reduce our consumption to one planet living. Green technologies must permeate our communities, homes, transportation, food supply, and consumption.

if we care for people around the world,
Global warming will cause hundreds of millions of people around the world to lose their lives, livelihoods, and lands. This will occur not only in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Bangladesh, and China but also in wealthier countries. Since industrial nations are the primary cause of global warming, it is our responsibility to help others combat and to survive climate change, deteriorating ecosystems, and rising seas.

and if we value life on Earth.
Earth's ecosystems are in danger of deterioration and destruction by global warming that may result in the extinction of 25% of all species of plants and animals. From all causes as many as 50-60% of species may succumb.  It is vital that we reawaken our relationships with the natural world and teach our children about the wonders of nature. "In the end we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught", wrote Senegalese poet Baba Dioum.

(This article is in response to the sermon, "I Never Did See Shanghai", by Reverend Nancy McDonald Ladd on September 3, 2006.)