I think the best way to make change is to do things that affect everyone. Our own actions to reduce carbon our footprint are good, but overall these things will not dramatically change the problems we face. The government on the other hand, has the power to make dramatic changes could really help the environment. I think there should be more laws surrounding the environment. There should be much higher restrictions on the pollutions companies make. There should also be more required education about the environment. More products should be banned or harder to get. For example in Oakland paper bags cost 10 cents, so people want to bring their bags in more. Also the government could invest more money in making public transportation more convenient and desirable.  There could also be restrictions on cars. There could be odd-even rationing of buying fuel like in 1979. That may be extremely inconvenient, but it would save a lot of fuel. The government could also implement more switching to cleaner resources like wind and solar energy. The government could also invest more mone y into research on better batteries, cleaner energy, more efficient uses of energy, conservation, and much more. The government could also protect more lands, and make more consequences for pollution like fines etc. The less convenient the government makes it for people to harm the environment, the less people will harm the environment. Overall, education and taking our own responsibilities over conservation is important, but laws protecting the environment would be a more efficient way of saving the environment.

Elise I agree with your points about how the government needs to be more involved in helping the environment in way that affects everyone. However, due to our government, the citizens need to stand together against this problem first. We need to amass worldwide spread of our Earth's issues and motivate them to enact change. With the well organized and motivated community can we then convince the government to put full effort and attention on these solving these problems completely. I fully agree about all your suggestions for what the government should do to solve this problem. These changes will cause some people to be angry however with these changes. In truth, everyone is not willing to change. Growing on your idea, I think the government should come up with certain benefits when abiding by these laws or terms by either reducing taxes or increasing health, insurance benefits.

...and we need to remember that there isn't just one "government".

in addition to nations (and united nations), regions and states and municipalities can make a difference too.

I see from your display names that you are both from Bishop O Dowd.  Yay Oakland!  Yay Alameda County!  Yay California - 5th biggest economy in the world!