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He cites an example of how Australia’s John Howard was the first national leader in the world to be voted out of office because of his inaction regarding the growning concerns of the Australian people about global warming. In fact, thew new Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, made it a point during the campaign that global warming will be a major priority in his administration. Granted, Australia is not the United States, but they are not an impoverished third-world nation, either. In addition, many more citizens in countries around the world are making their voices heard to politicians and government leaders that an enforceable environmental policy should be an essential part of any legislative agenda. However, it seems that the U.S. presidential candidates are mostly getting by with general statements about needing to “get something done” about the environment and mostly paying lip service to seeking out alternative fuel sources along with investigating the effects of global warming and climate change. During the last Republican debate hosted by CNN, with questions taken from YouTube submissions, not one question was asked or selected about the environment, but viewers were subjected to being beaten over the head about immigration and whether or not the candidates believed what was written in the Bible. And let’s not just point the finger at Republicans–the Democrats aren’t exactly addressing the issues, either. John Edwards is the only one that has been somewhat vocal on his environmental platform, with John McCain being the standard-bearer for the Republican side. Of course, we can’t always look to the Commander in Chief to get down to the nitty gritty regarding climate change and environmental policy. It really does have to come from a grassroots effort, not only by individual citizens and organizations, but state legislators are going to have to assume more of the responsibilities of affecting change. Sure, there are a number of companies who are looking to get more involved, but let’s remember that they are also are seeking positive press, as well as increasing their revenue stream, so we shouldn’t fall all over ourselves in gratitude, either. Next year’s elections will be the biggest opportunity yet for voters to express their demand for a more enforceable environmental policy from their leaders. With more hybrid vehicles being seen on the road, and with the media paying more attention to climate change, the time is now to bring in leaders who will follow the lead of the people. Time will tell if we (and they) will step up to the plate. Comments |
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