Science and Society

I would hope that, before the campaign ends, the candidates would clearly and unequivocally state their positions on the environment, especially focusing on climate change. Unfortunately, with the more frequesnt questions the candidates face (such as the economy, the cost of living, energy supplies, ongoing wars, partisan politics, and so on), I don't think environmental concerns will be in the spotlight anytime soon. And more's the pity, since the environment will affect all of our other concerns, whether or not we discuss it!

Alas, chuck, the candidates aren't going to state anything unequivocally, until they can determine which way the wind is blowing. They spend all their energies attacking each other and little, if any, on the issues. Even though this particular campaign season has drawn more national interest than I can remember, it's also one of the least substantive and most devisive campaigns. It seems that all they have to sell is how they see the other's stand, rather than stating their own stand on the matters.

Why won't they talk about the environment more? Because it's not an issue that most Americans care about. Polls have shown consistently that very few people (about 5%) consider the environment their #1 issue. In any given election year, the economy is the most important issue, and in this election year, the war will be second.

Andrew - I think you have a logical flaw in there somewhere. Of course the economy is going to be higher than the environment for most people, but that doesn't mean it is "not an issue that most Americans care about." Polls consistently show that most Americans care about the environment, but don't usually put it at the very top of their list.

The fact is we are married to oil and that isn't going to change anytime soon. The price of oil needs to be lowered. That alone would have nothing but posititve effects on the economy and the citizens. How are they implementing plans to lower the cost of oil?

I visit Brazil, Argentina, Colombia several times a year on business. I seemany of my employees and colleagues have a natural gas tank in the trunk of their vehicles. Their cars use about 5 gallon tanks of gasoline mainly to start the engine, and pass on the highway, the rest comes from natural gas. The cost to operate the car on this system a week is about 30 dollars a week including almost 5 USD a gallon for gas. I want to hear from the candidates why we do not have this option in the US, and the third world does?

BTW, it is about a 700 dollsr option, we spend more than that on bixenon lights.

They are politicians, not environmentalists, the one that is least green is obviously more honest.

Very astute observation, Quietman, and, unfortunately, too true. Isn't it a shame that we entrust the future of our nation to people who know not of what they speak?

This whole "party" thing is a farce. I'm a registered Democrat but I'll vote republican if I see a better cantidate.
Vote with your head, not with your heart.

Obama is NOT an environmentalist. He supported Coal Liquification, which would be extremely detrimental to the carbon output and the environment.

January 5, 2007
"U.S. Senators Jim Bunning (R-KY) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today introduced the "Coal-To-Liquid Fuel Promotion Act of 2007." This bipartisan piece of legislation is based on the bill first introduced by Senators Bunning and Obama last spring and would help create the infrastructure needed for large-scale production of Coal-to-Liquids (CTL) fuel. It is a comprehensive bill that expands tax incentives, creates planning assistance, and develops Department of Defense support for the domestic CTL industry. "

emily, I don't recall making any racist remarks, or even, indeed, mentioning any candidate by name. I do live in the north, and I don't intend to vote either Republican or Democratic, because both parties have had a hand in taking this nation to the brink of ruin. The Republicans stand for that insane war in Iraq and the Democrats are abjuring the rule of law with their ridiculous stance in illegal immigration. I'm sure you think dave's double post was one of mine. Wrong. Anyway, Dave is being incredibly sarcastic, that's all.

Yes, Andy, people seem to have a lot of trouble with that little pointy thing that is supposed to indicate the author.

emily
Dave was sarcastic to prove a point. I feel the same way Andy does and would love to see the two party system die. In this case McCain is closer to a Democrat than a Republican which I feel is a good compromise, but I admit I have concerns about Clinton because of her husband's connection with the gun grabbers and that could influence my decision. Obama - I don't know enough about yet, he seems to skirt the issues.

James Cooper
I am not familiar with CTL. What would the liquid coal replace and how does it compare with what we are using now?

Global warming is not on the spotlight NOW, because it is winter. When the summer comes and the weather is hot, it will definitely be on the spotlight.

Whether or not people will be for action is another matter. The price of gas is already astronomical and a recession is going on. I hardly believe people will want to pay higher taxes and higher gas prices over this issue.

Mike Huckabee is still in the race. John McCain has NOT been coronated yet. And ABC news is GUILTY of trying to decide the GOP nomination. It is the WORST kind of journalism. It is very close to the propoganda machines of the communists. I dare you to be American and true Journalist. Sponsor a debate with McCain and Huckabee. I believe the "cold shoulder" you are giving is a FEAR that Mike might actually conect with the people and then you won't be able to manipulate us any more (like you ever did?!!).

It was definitely Kucinich. I think he was the only space alien running this time. (But I can't be sure)

Thanks for article which is not surprising; also a point one of reasons price of wheat rises is planting of corn for bio-fuel. Has already big impact on land-use and commodoty market, from candidates very simplified answers, its more complex.Kyoto protocal/or international agreements US is lacking, no commitment. Other point which is astonishing; no plan for high-speed public transport for example in europe faster than by plane and cleaner, between lets say shuttle areas better alternative.

When have the propaganda machines of capitalism not been like those of the communists? Why do you think Americans hate communism? And fear that Mike Huckabee connects with the people? I am deeply afraid of that. Frankly, I'd have more trust in someone that majored in math than miracles. But then again, I'm a mathematician.