No matter who wins in November they will have a significantly different take on at least the issue of global warming than that of President Bush. But will it matter in down-to-earth policy making? Only recently in human history have we realized that we can have a lasting impact on the earth — that we may have the power to render our planet uninhabitable for ourselves. At the same time, this new knowledge is driving scientific and technological innovation. Guests on BILL MOYERS JOURNAL have defined the problem both in terms of the intrinsic worth of the environment and in its role as the cradle of human civilization.

Add your concerns and solutions to the map.

On protecting nature: "People who say, 'Well, let's keep on going the way we're going. Let's use up the Earth. And by that time, our smart scientists' — trust me, I'm a scientist, and none of us could be that smart — but they figure that by that time maybe we can make it to the next planet, terraform it, you know? Turn it into an Earth-like place and so forth. Dream on. This is crazy. This is the only planet we're ever going to have. This planet has taken tens, hundreds of millions of years to create this beautiful natural environment we have that's taken care of us so well that is, in fact, our greatest natural heritage. And we're throwing it away in a matter of a few decades."

Watch the full interview with E.O. Wilson.

On individual responsibility: "I want people to realize that they matter. Because, to me, that's the key. When you stand back from the print you see the collective. And as you walk up close, you can see that the collective is only made up of lots and lots of individuals. There is no bad consumer over there somewhere who needs to be educated. There is no public out there who needs to change. And that's kind of the underlying message that I'm trying to convey. It's each one of us."

Watch a profile of Chris Jordan's photography.

On humanity and global warming: "The planet goes on. The planet decides we're a plague that's warming it up too fast. It wipes us out. But the planet goes on. So, even a fight against global warming is a belief that human beings matter. It's a kind of essential belief that there's something inside of human beings worth saving. Because if we're really just corrupt and bad and evil, then heat it up. Let it wipe us out."

Watch the interview with Melissa Harris-Lacewell and Mike Tidewell.

National Environmental Protection Act
NEPAnet Web site allows users the ability to access the complete text of the 1969 NEPA, while also providing shortcuts to popular statutes, such as the Clean Air Act. Other features include access to the Center for Environmental Quality environmental impact analyses, reports, studies and NEPA case law.

U.S.D.A. Forest Service
The official site for the Forest Service contains area profiles and resource management procedures and pertinent news stories. Potential visitors can find information on permit and use guidelines for Forest Service areas.

National Forest Foundation
The National Forest Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of the Forest Service. The group creates community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the National Forest System. The NFF also administer private gifts of funds and land for the benefit of the National Forests.

National Parks and Conservation Association
Established in 1919, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is the only private, nonprofit, advocacy organization dedicated to educating the public about our national parks and protecting, preserving, and enhancing the U.S. National Park System.

Wilderness Society
Founded in 1935, the Wilderness Society is one of the most vocal advocates for wilderness advocacy. Its former president, Howard Zahniser, was one of the authors of the original Wilderness Act. Today the non-profit group is lobbying against changes to the roadless rule and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The Earth Conservation Corps
Find out more about the ECC's many programs, how to volunteer and watch video from ongoing projects.

US Department of Energy


Public Citizen on energy
"Public Citizen's energy program advocates for clean and sustainable energy. We safeguard consumers from the impacts of electricity deregulation, educate the public on the dangers of nuclear power while encouraging responsible nuclear waste management, and fight against environmental degradation by promoting clean energy alternative."


American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
"The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection."

"25 Ideas for Solving the Energy Crisis"
From the ROOSEVELT INSTITUTION, a student think tank.

GRIST
Environmental news and commentary.

What Can You Do To Help the Environment?
You might be asking yourself, what can I do to help save the planet? What practical steps can I take in my everyday life to help curb global climate change, mass species extinction, and other looming ecological disasters?

MOYERS ON AMERICA: IS GOD GREEN? Your Environment


Local Environmental Conditions
Resources to help you research local environmental conditions.

"Global Warming: Who Loses -- and Who Wins?"
by Gregg Easterbrook for THE ATLANTIC. April 2007.

Earth Conservation Corps — Update
The Earth Conservation Corps (ECC), a group of young adults from urban DC, works to reclaim a dying neighborhood by providing leadership tools to disadvantaged youth while cleaning up the environment.

Silent Spring
Writer/performer Kaiulani Lee and her 15 year journey to spread Rachel Carson's ecological message to the world.