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USA: Al Gore has more company on climate change now
Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit
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Christian Science Monitor - Jan 3, 2008
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0103/p04s01-wogi.html
In U.S., Al Gore has more company on climate change now
As the climate debate shifts away from the blame game,
there's a growing interest in climate-action strategy.
By Brad Knickerbocker
Global climate change promises to be as big an issue in 2008,
politically, as it was last year. In the United States, presidential
and congressional elections are likely to be a major factor in this
accelerating interest. That's particularly true since the issue is
closely related to energy policy, not to mention the instability in
Iraq, an oil-rich part of the world.
The debate in Congress has shifted from what is causing rising global
temperatures to the strategies for fighting it. The Oregonian newspaper
reports:
"A Senate committee approved legislation [last] month that would
place mandatory limits on carbon dioxide emissions and create a
carbon-trading market the core components of the Kyoto Treaty.
'Arguing about global warming now is like arguing against gravity,'
said Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash.... Lawmakers from both parties, along
with lobbyists and advocates ... say the issue has never seen stronger
momentum on Capitol Hill."
The ground seems to be shifting at the White House too,. President Bush
has moved incrementally toward accepting the reality of human-caused
global warming. The Washington Post describes the nature of the change:
"For years, Bush bristled privately at what he considered ...
alarmism by the liberal, elitist Hollywood crowd. The clatter over
climate change, according to friends and advisers, seemed to him more
like a political agenda than a rational response to known facts. But
ever so gradually, they say ... he has found the science increasingly
persuasive and believes more needs to be done."
Climate change has not been a major issue in the presidential race. But
that may be changing, notes a story in The Des Moines Register:
"Gone are the days when former Vice President Al Gore was the lone
political voice talking about global warming and alternative energy.
Not only have Gore's fellow Democrats detailed positions on the issue,
but Republicans historically more reluctant to talk about global
warming and energy have begun to find their voices as well."
Americans rate the environment as the third-highest "national problem,"
according to recent polling by GlobeScan quoted in Britain's Financial
Times. A majority now views climate change as a serious problem, and
nearly 60 percent say it'll be "necessary to take major steps very
soon." The Financial Times piece continues:
"Paul Hanrahan, chief executive of the US power company AES, said:
'The pace at which understanding is growing in the US on climate
change means that it will definitely be an issue in the elections
[this] year. Politicians who choose to ignore it run the risk of
suffering at the ballot box.' "
Whether or not those running for Congress and the presidency take steps
to limit greenhouse-gas emissions, action will continue to happen at the
state and local level, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. A story in
the Kitsap (Wash.) Sun notes:
" 'The drivers of climate change are global, but the effects of
climate change on Washington are local and unique,' Gov. Chris
Gregoire said in an executive order designed to engage state agencies
and citizens in efforts to deal with climate change."
In Oregon, an array of new environmental laws related to climate set
standards for fuel, renewable power generation, and appliance
efficiency. The Oregonian reports:
"The bills, passed by the 2007 Legislature and vigorously endorsed
by Gov. Ted Kulongoski, address everything from the blends of ethanol in
a car's fuel tank to the amount of wind-powered electricity in a home
to the efficiency rating of a hot tub."
Meanwhile, increasing global temperatures, sped by fossil fuel burning,
seem to be one reason nuclear power is seeing a resurgence, reports the
Los Angeles Times.
"Nuclear-fueled electricity is championed by all of the Republican
front-runners. And, while the top contenders on the Democratic side
cite serious concerns about safety, waste disposal, and plant
security, only former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina flatly
opposes construction of new nuclear plants."
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