“We need a transformation in public policy thinking to embrace the reality of what science is telling us, accept its implications, and then act in accordance with the full scope and urgency of the problem,” said senator John F. Kerry at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today. The committee met to hear testimony from Al Gore concerning what America should be doing to address the climate crisis. Kerry said, “Some may argue that we cannot afford to address this issue in the midst of an economic crisis. They have it fundamentally wrong. This is a moment of enormous opportunity for new technology, new jobs, and the greening of our economy. We can’t afford not to act.” Senator Kerry stressed the importance of America taking a stance on caring for the environment with a new administration that will finally be supportive of these efforts. Former Vice-President Al Gore said that “We have arrived at a moment of decision. Our home-Earth- is in grave danger. What is at risk of being destroyed is not the planet itself, of course, but the conditions that have made it hospitable for human beings.” Gore expressed concern that people seem to think that the planet and our way of life has to be a choice, when in fact, “solutions to the climate crisis are the very same solutions that will address our economic and national security crisis as well.” by Suzia van Swol, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service