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Countless scientific studies confirm that warming is occurring - most pronounced in the Arctic - and its effects could be catastrophic. We've all seen the constant stream of news stories: The world is warmer today than at any time in modern history; last year was the warmest on record; sea ice is shrinking; polar bears are drowning; permafrost is thawing; glaciers are melting; sea level is rising; villages are having to retreat from the sea; forests are falling to fire and insects; storms are more frequent and intense; salmon streams exceed threshold temperatures; oceans are growing acidic; and the Arctic ocean may be ice-free by the end of the century.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concludes that "most of the observed warming of the last 50 years is attributable to human activities," and that "climate change represents a danger to humanity." Natural factors may contribute, but there is no longer serious dispute that a primary cause is CO2 emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels - coal, oil, and natural gas. Carbon emissions from our energy-inefficient economy are projected to double by 2050, prompting warnings from NASA that temperatures will "spin out of control" unless aggressive action is taken soon.

Unfortunately, public policy on global warming has been paralyzed by the contrived dispute over its cause. Rather than trying to actually solve the problem, we're stuck in a mind-numbing vortex of endless studies, conferences and news stories. Lot's of talk, no action - the classic "FEMA-Katrina plan." Alaska can no longer afford such policy paralysis.

Yes, much of the action needed is national and international, but can we afford to simply sit back and wait for the federal government and United Nations to take care of us on this issue? Of course not. Many other states have taken it upon themselves to act. After all, it is state government responsibility to protect the health and welfare its citizens, protect state property and to protect the state's natural resources.

In developing our state response to this enormous challenge, it will be important to change what we can, accept (and plan for) what we can't change and know the difference. The Legislature's proposed climate change commission and task force is a good place to start. The commission would consist of representatives of the Legislature, state agencies and affected constituencies, and be charged with developing policy guidance for the state regarding all aspects of climate change. Importantly, the commission will hold public hearings across Alaska giving all Alaskans an opportunity to be heard on this issue. If given the chance, Alaskans will certainly provide real-life understanding of the seriousness of this threat, and propose creative, practical solutions.

The commission's report to the Legislature and governor in January 2008 will be a policy blueprint for what state government should do about climate change, as well as an estimate of costs and economic opportunities for Alaska. Then, we'll need to get to work responding to this growing threat.

The state of Alaska can no longer afford to ignore climate change. Thanks to the Olson and Joule bills, we now have a methodical way forward. It is incumbent upon the 2006 Legislature to take the first step by passing this legislation and for the governor to sign it. This is the responsible thing to do.

• Anchorage resident Rick Steiner is a professor at University of Alaska.