“There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves.”

This quote from Lyndon B. Johnson exemplifies our species’ ability to unite and work together in the face of a common threat or problem. Cooperative behavior as a group is an adaptive characteristic of most biological organisms to varying degrees and one that humans make particular use of.

With this in mind, global warming and all of its potentially devastating environmental, social, and economic consequences does provide humanity with an opportunity to set aside our differences to meet a common threat. If we ever collectively recognize the magnitude of this threat, the required integrated, multi-level global response might allow us to see past our differences and focus on what binds us together as a species – to see each other as human.

Unfortunately, group behavior is a double-edged sword. The “perceived” threat often involves other groups of people, and part of group unification typically involves emphasizing real or imagined differences with other groups – even demonizing them in various ways. The problems that global warming will increasingly exacerbate, such as the differential access to critical resources, as well as the arguments surrounding the nature of global warming itself, are just as easily focal points for group conflict as they are for species-wide unification.

The debate surrounding the construction of the three 700 MW coal-fired power plants near Holcomb, Kan., is a case in point. Both sides of the issue are unified by their collective beliefs and goals, as well as by differentiating themselves from the other side through the use of labels such as “outsiders” and “part of the problem.”

The issue has reached a point requiring leaders who 1) recognize global warming invalidates the construction of these power plants, 2) recognize alternative energy strategies and economic opportunities are desperately needed, particularly in western Kansas, and 3) can bring both sides together under one umbrella to solve this problem. Unfortunately Gov. Sebelius’ recent statements suggest she may be ducking the issue.

Referring to the likelihood of the plants’ construction and limited state influence in lieu of federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, Gov. Sebelius was quoted in the Lawrence Journal-World on 12/21 as saying: “It’s very difficult within the borders of Kansas to control greenhouse gases and global warming … I am eager to be a partner in that effort across the country, but what we know is that the Holcomb plant is likely to be built one way or the other. It’s a question of does it get built in Kansas or Oklahoma.”

Such statements imply a “pass-the-buck” mentality – something I had not previously associated with our governor. If this is her official position on the matter, then she is squandering an opportunity to take a real environmental, energy, and sustainable leadership role in our state, as well as our nation.

Yes, our governor would probably suffer some political consequences from such a course of action. And I certainly don’t begrudge her likely political aspirations beyond the governorship.

But as presidential biographer James MacGregor Burns once said, “The ultimate test of practical leadership is the realization of intended, real change that meets people’s enduring needs.” Kansans’ enduring needs include having a respectable quality of life, both economically and environmentally. We need a leader who can unite us all in the pursuit of alternative energy strategies and sustainable economic development to meet these needs. My hope is that Gov. Sebelius decides to become that leader.

– Marcel Harmon is an anthropologist and engineer living and working in Lawrence.