Global Warming In The News

(CBS 11 News) When it comes to harmful global warming emissions, and carbon dioxide emissions, Texas is topping the charts.

Tuesday several groups met across the state to discuss problems with air quality, and ways to cut down on pollution.

The problem is easy to see. The Dallas/Fort Worth area is only at one third the level needed for federal attainment standards.

“The good news is that the previous one-hour ozone standard we actually attained in 2005, so that’s the good news. The bad news is they replaced that with one that’s a little more stringent and we're currently out of compliance with the more stringent eight-hour zone standard,” said David Schanbacher, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

A new report by ‘Environment Texas’ shows global warming pollution in the state is up 178 percent, since 1960.

Nationally, emissions of carbon dioxide have doubled with Texas topping the list for increased carbon dioxide emissions.

Power plants and cars are cited as the main culprits.

“It impacts the bottom line as far as health and insurance costs, and costs to our children for the future,” said Rita Beving, Dallas Sierra Club Conservation.

Change is on the way, whether drivers like it or not. Environmental groups say people may eventually have to change the way they drive and how often.

New industrial emission standards could also be in the near future.

“We will reach attainment. The operative question is through what strategies and through what time frame will we all agree that will occur, said Larry Soward, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

A new safe climate act will require the United States to reduce global warming pollution 15 percent by 2020, and 20 percent by 2050.

“There are some positive measures that are gonna be taken and all of us will have to sacrifice. But the thing is we need to make sure everyone does their fair share,” Beving said.