Until now, and perhaps even now, the leader of the free world has buried his head in the sand on the issue of global warming. But now there is a groundswell of interest in the subject, a burgeoning seriousness about tackling the threat — and a more widespread understanding that we can rely on the warnings of scientists that the earth is indeed warming, that it is not a good thing and that we need to do something about it now.

President George W. Bush mentioned the threat of global warming in his State of the Union address, the first time he’d given the subject a mention in five previous State of the Union speeches. The president has a track record of refusing to acknowledge the evidence for climate change, and given his past proclivity for ignoring his own rhetoric on this and other topics, we cannot assume he will push hard for his stated goals of improving fuel economy standards in vehicles. He has yet to describe a clear strategy for his policies in this regard, and he puts far greater stress on voluntary efforts and quite little on governmental action.

But we needn’t only rely on the president for proclaiming this cause. It is being trumpeted at the lower levels, giving the issue a rather grassroots feel that may yet percolate up the chain.

A global warming bill was introduced in the Minnesota Legislature on Monday to set greenhouse-gas emission targets, and on Tuesday citizens ranging from Arctic explorer Will Steger to religious leaders spoke passionately about the subject. More bills will be forthcoming. With the DFL now in the majority, we can expect the issue to get more of a hearing today than previously. Republicans, too, who used to dismiss the science of global warming, seem to be “warming” to the subject.

This week’s efforts in the Minnesota Legislature are an example of an increased awareness at the state level all over the country — and it’s fitting that Minnesota take a leading role, given the state’s reliance on winter activities as an economic staple. That fact was smartly addressed this week by Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who remarked to Senate colleagues while calling for strong national action, “December in Minnesota felt more like October. Our ice fishing seasons are shorter, and our skiers and snowmobilers haven’t seen much snow.”

If public opinion, fueled by leaders at both the state and national levels, continues trumpeting the need to combat climate change through calls for CO2 reduction, incentives for hybrid vehicles and greater use of renewable resources, we will all benefit. Notwithstanding scientists’ warnings, it is simply good stewardship to take better care of the environment in these ways. Virtually everyone understands the benefits of these things; now the effort is seriously under way to move beyond rhetoric and accomplish these goals together.

Tackling global warming at the state level is fine, but it is crucial at the national level.

More evidence of seriousness in our nation’s capital may yet be forthcoming. For too long, we have appealed in vain for the most powerful to lead the way. Fortunately, the message is taking root among the lesser lights, giving rise to optimism that it will shine upward.