Eileen Claussen is the head of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, a nonprofit group. Before working at Pew, Claussen was the Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. In that role, she was responsible for helping to create U.S. policy on issues, such as climate change, ozone depletion, natural resources and wildlife conservation. In the early 90s, she worked with the Environmental Protection Agency on many initiatives. Now, Claussen lobbies decision-makers in Congress about the crucial need take action in establishing new climate policies to help slow global warming. TFK's Angelique LeDoux spoke to her about her efforts.

TFK:
How did you get into this work? Why did you choose to focus on the environment?

Claussen:
I have always had an interest in the environment and the natural landscape -- from the time I grew up in South Africa. And I have also always been drawn to global problems, so it was natural for me to have an interest in two global environmental problems: the depletion of the ozone layer and climate change.

TFK:
What is the role of the Pew Center? How is it different from other organizations?

Claussen:
Our mission at the Pew Center is to provide credible information, straight answers and innovative solutions in the effort to address global climate change. Working on an issue that is often considered controversial, the Center provides a forum for objective research and analysis and for the development of practical policies and solutions. We have become a leading voice for sensible action to address the most pressing global environmental problem of the 21st century.

TFK:
What causes global warming? How is it made worse by things we do like driving cars, building homes and charging cell phones?

Claussen:
Scientists refer to what has been happening in the earth's atmosphere over the past century as the "enhanced greenhouse effect." By pumping man-made greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, humans are altering the process by which naturally occurring greenhouse gases trap the sun's heat before it can be released back into space. These gases are emitted into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels like oil and coal. We burn fossil fuels when we drive our cars, when we use electric appliances, and when we heat and cool our homes and office buildings. Charging a cell phone, for example, requires electricity. Since most electricity in this country comes from the burning of coal, charging the phone leads to more emissions of greenhouse gases.

TFK:
Some people say there is nothing to worry about. Others say we have to do something now. Why is there so much confusion?

Claussen:
There are some who have argued that the science is uncertain - but that is a small, outspoken, and shrinking minority of well-funded skeptical voices. More and more, the science is compelling. Climate change is now - we need to act.

TFK:
In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the power to regulate pollution from cars. Why is this an important ruling?

Claussen:
It says that greenhouse gases are "air pollutants" and that the EPA can control them. This is an important ruling because it will now pave the way for greenhouse gases to be regulated in the transportation sector, which is one of the highest emitting sectors in the United States.

TFK:
What is the Clean Air Act? And did the EPA not already have the power to regulate pollution from cars before the ruling?

Claussen:
The Clean Air Act is an important law that provides for EPA to regulate air pollutants that harm health and welfare. The Court determined that EPA can address greenhouse gases under this law.

TFK:
In your previous job with the EPA, what was your role in the Energy Star program? Can you tell me more about that program?

Claussen:
Actually it was my office that created the Energy Star program. I had some very creative people working for me who wanted to make a difference on the climate change issue. But we had no legislative authority to deal with it, and no budget either. So I was able to divert some funds away from other programs I was managing, and these wonderful people came up with the idea of energy star—a label that would provide consumers with clear information on the energy use of the products they were purchasing. And, before you could blink an eye, we were off and running!

TFK:
If I care about the environment, what can I do on a daily basis to help stop climate change?

Claussen:
Making decisions that reduce your "carbon footprint" is a great way for kids to get involved in reducing the impacts of climate change. Every time we use energy, we are emitting, or sending out into the air, more greenhouse gases which will contribute to climate change. Simply remembering to turn the light or computer off when they aren't in use or taking shorter showers can help. Every little bit you can do to reduce your use of energy and water will help reduce your carbon footprint.

TFK:
I keep hearing that companies play a role in decisions that are made regarding the environment. Is this true, and if so, how do we know?

Claussen:
A number of companies both in the U.S. and throughout the globe are stepping up to reduce climate change impacts. The Pew Center's Business Environmental Leadership Council consists of more than 40 companies that have committed to finding effective solutions to the climate problem. Companies like these recognize that action needs to be taken immediately to build effective and efficient policies regarding climate change. You can read about these companies and their emissions reduction targets on the Pew Center's website, pewclimate.org

TFK:
A lot of companies are jumping on the "green bandwagon" saying they are environmentally responsible. If I want to support green businesses, is there a way to know that a company is really doing things that are less polluting and better for the Earth?

Claussen:
It's important to do a little research on companies that claim to be "green" to be sure that they really are taking action to address climate change. You can read about the companies involved in the BELC on our website to see what they are doing in this area. You can also look to other organizations like CERES, a nonprofit that is involved in tracking corporate sustainability. Companies report to CERES on their economic, social, and environmental status. Choosing companies that are public and specific about their efforts to address the climate change issue is a great way to support a healthy environment.

TFK:
What are your Top 5 Ways kids can reduce their carbon footprint?

Claussen:
Here are my Top 5 recommendations:

1. Turn off your electronic appliances when they are not in use. These can include your lights, TV, computer, video games, stereo, iPod and cell phone chargers. Some electronic devices even use energy when they are not turned on. So you might want to unplug them. Every device that plugs into an electrical socket is using energy that emits carbon dioxide into the air. Reduce your energy use and reduce your carbon footprint.
2. Walk or ride a bike short distances when you can, rather than asking a parent or older sibling for a ride. Cars are a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, so try to avoid their use when you can.
3. Take shorter showers or use less water when taking a bath. To supply clean and heated water, a considerable amount of energy is used, thereby emitting greenhouse gases. The less water you use, the less greenhouse gases you emit.
4. Try to use less heat and air conditioning if you can. Close the blinds on a hot day to keep the heat from the sun out. Dress lightly when it's hot, and add a layer when it's cold. Grabbing a blanket for the cold weather or a fan for the hot weather will save your parents' money on their energy bill and will save your environment on your carbon footprint.
5. Ask your parents to help you find out how to contact your Congressmen and Senators. Write letters to your state representatives to encourage them to create effective climate change policy. Taking the smaller, daily steps to reduce your personal carbon footprint can help quite a bit, but letting your government know that climate change policy is a priority for you is powerful. Let your voice be heard, whether or not you can vote yet. It is still very important.

Angelique LeDoux
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