Global Warming Threatens Fish (NAPSA)—Seientists are warning that rising temperatures could damage many of America’s top fishing holes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American cold water fish species, including trout, salmon and steelhead, are at greatest risk from global warming. They also point out that a numberof steps can be taken to reduce global warming pollution and protect fish habitat. The 10 hottest years on record haveall occurred since 1991, indicating that change is already underway. Global warming pollution from smokestacks and car exhausts continues to build up in the atmosphere, where it traps heat. The National Academy of Sciences predicts that average temperatures could increase by as much as 10 degrees in the United States this century if the amount of pollution isn’t reduced. “Even a one-degree rise in stream temperature can wreak havoe on cold water fish,” said Patty Glick, climate expert for the National Wildlife Federation. Fish habitat throughout the country is at risk. Global warming may cause streams to dry up in parts of the southern U.S. And warmer temperatures are already causing sea levels to rise, which could flood coastal wetlands that are vital fish hatcheries. Solutions to global warming are well known. Industry can reduce pollution with better technologies. In Congress, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) has teamed \ aimee ee SR tel cere a As worldwide temperatures increase, conditions for cold water fish decline. up with Joe Lieberman (D-CT) on a climate plan that would require power plants and other industries to reduce global warming pollution. Their approach, which has won support from both environmental and industry ranks, allows companies to decide the best way to meet the bill’s environmental goals. State-level legislation to tackle global warming has also surfaced in a majority of states across the country. Glick said individuals can help cut global warming pollution by using energy-efficient appliances with the “Energy Star” label, and by purchasing cars that get better gas mileage. She noted that driving a car that gets 32 miles per gallon can prevent two tons of global warming pollution from entering the atmosphere each year. More information on steps you can take is available at www.nwf.org/climate.
