Some effects of global warming can be predicted. For instance the melting of the polar icecaps would put beachfront property in Florida in danger, and plant life indigenous to certain regions of the U.S. would disappear. Certain soothsayers carry predictions to more drastic extremes. Ross Gelbspan's book The Heat is On , predicts hurricanes, droughts, waves of disease-carrying vermin, a general breakdown of the ecosystem and a general breakdown of other organized systems. The White House is considering a plan that would reduce carbon-dioxide emissions in the U.S. to 1990 levels by as early as 2010.
Economists argue the cost is too high, given the uncertain benefits.
President Clinton's primary concern over the issue is regarded as one of posterity. However, Vice President Gore bears greater weight from this since he has built his reputation on environmental issues and can't afford to go into the 2000 election with environmentalists feeling he has betrayed them. At this juncture President Clinton has committed to stabilizing emissions at 1990 levels by either 2010 or further into the future, but remains vague about the costs. Instead of a tax he will talk about an emissions-trading system but play down the effect of such a system on energy prices.