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Scientists agree that global temperatures are increasing, that human activities are the cause and further warming is inevitable - unless immediate and sweeping actions are taken to reduce our global warming emissions.

Global warming, which is leading to unpredictable weather patterns, drought and increased levels of ground-level ozone, is already having profound implications for New Mexico. Increasing temperatures throughout the Southwest have led to smaller snowpacks and earlier snow melts, decreasing drinking-water supplies and increased risk of summer droughts and intense fire seasons.

With little meaningful federal action until recently, states and cities have become the laboratories of climate policy.

New Mexico has already taken significant steps toward reducing its global warming emissions and promoting renewable energy. In 2004, the state adopted a "renewable portfolio standard," which requires utilities to get 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2011.

This year, the state passed a Solar Tax Credit, which makes investing in solar more affordable for homeowners and small businesses. And finally, during the past year Gov. Bill Richardson convened a climate change advisory group to develop solutions that will reduce New Mexico's greenhouse gas emissions to 10 percent below 2000 levels by 2020 and 75 percent by 2050.

However, if we are to rise to the challenge of global warming - undoubtedly the most serious and profound environmental threat our world faces - and avoid the worst effects of a warming planet, more work is required.

Tackling global warming will require a tool chest of policy measures, but focusing on four solutions in particular will achieve significant gains:

Increase reliance on clean, renewable energy sources, by expanding the state's renewable portfolio standard to 30 percent and creating a national renewable portfolio standard.

Doing so would increase the percentage of energy generated from renewable sources in the state and the country and capitalize on our nation's vast wind and solar resources. New Mexico, in particular, would benefit and be able to lead the nation as a clean energy state and supplier of clean, renewable energy.

Reduce pollution from cars and trucks, by adopting the Clean Cars Program in New Mexico and a 40 mpg fuel-efficiency standard nationally. Both would drastically reduce global warming and air pollution emissions from vehicle tailpipes and reduce operating costs - thus saving consumers money at the pump and reducing foreign-oil dependence.

Promote energy efficiency in buildings through the Architecture 2030 Challenge, which would require that all new buildings and renovations be constructed to reduce fossil-fuel consumption by 50 percent by 2010 and make all buildings "carbon-neutral" by 2030.

Increasing building efficiency reduces energy consumption and saves consumers on utility bills.

Adopting strong national legislation that sets mandatory, science-based caps on global warming emissions, such as the bill introduced by Rep. Henry Waxman of California and Sen. James Jeffords of Vermont.

This legislation would reduce U.S. global warming emissions by 13 percent below 2004 levels by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050. We strongly urge New Mexico's congressional delegation, including Reps. Tom Udall, Heather Wilson, Steve Pearce, and Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Pete Domenici to co-sponsor this legislation.

New Mexico's senators are the ranking member and chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, giving the state an influential and prominent role in any national solutions to this problem.

We must rise to the challenge of global warming now. The United States must no longer be a world leader in emissions, but instead a world leader in clean energy and efficiency.

Yes, this will be challenging, but it is also necessary and within our grasp. Significant, yet practical and cost-effective, change is possible with the technology and science now available. In order to protect consumers, our economy and our environment - while ensuring a healthy planet for future generations - New Mexico's leaders must support strong and immediate global warming policy.

Ketcham is an environmental associate with Environment New Mexico, the environmental arm of the New Mexico Public Interest Research Group. As of Sept. 1, the group is working exclusively on consumer issues.