Scientists call for swift emission cuts

WASHINGTON, May 29 (UPI) -- A group of top U.S. scientists and economists called Thursday for immediate cuts in heat-trapping emissions linked to global warming.

More than 1,700 scientists and economists issued the statement as the U.S. Senate prepares to begin debate on the Lieberman-Warner climate bill, the Union of Concerned Scientists said.

"We call on our nation's leaders to swiftly establish and implement policies to bring about deep reductions in heat-trapping emissions," the statement said. "The strength of the science on climate change compels us

to warn the nation about the growing risk of irreversible consequences as global average temperatures

continue to increase over pre-industrial levels."

The group said implementing policies to achieve swift and substantial cuts is economically sound and necessary to limit the worst consequences of climate change.

"There is a strong consensus that we must do something about reducing the emissions that cause global warming," said statement co-author James McCarthy, president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. "The fact that so many scientists and economists have spoken out and signed this letter should give policymakers the confidence that we can avert serious adverse climate impacts."