| Global warming isn't the only culprit; deforestation | | | | say that she isn't one to "attribute every activity |
| also plays a major role in our climate change. | | | | of man to the changes in the climate." |
| Deforestation has not only changed the amount | | | | "There is something to be said also for man's |
| of water going into and out of a given location, | | | | activities, but also for the cyclical temperature |
| but we can also attribute the change in climate to | | | | changes on our planet," she said. |
| the extensive human development of the | | | | Joe Biden disagreed, saying, "I think it {climate |
| landscape and the loss of plant life - plant life that | | | | change} is manmade. It's clearly manmade. If you |
| naturally clears the air of dangerous carbons. | | | | don't understand what the cause is, you cannot |
| Many countries are working together to reduce, | | | | come up with a solution." |
| to avoid, and to better understand the risks | | | | And it is a solution that we need; unfortunately |
| associated with climate change. On the local front, | | | | we've gotten used to seeing this critical issue |
| the EPA and other federal agencies are | | | | downplayed, or blatantly ignored. It seems as if |
| continuously engaging the private sector and | | | | the only time we even hear "climate control" is in |
| states, in partnerships aimed at addressing the | | | | the context of McCain's nuclear power plant |
| challenge of global warming while, at the same | | | | development plans. And though Obama claims he |
| time, strengthening the economy. | | | | will stand firm on global warming and climate |
| The Bush Administration's current climate change | | | | change issues, both candidates went soft in their |
| policy has three basic components designed to | | | | debate about this crisis. |
| address both near-term and long-term aspects of | | | | Additionally, neither seemed to make the |
| climate change: | | | | connection between the climate crisis and global |
| (1) Slowing the growth of greenhouse gas | | | | food and water shortages and how this could |
| emissions; | | | | create more failed states. |
| (2) Laying important groundwork for both current | | | | Where do these candidates stand on climate |
| and future action through major investments in | | | | control? Well, they both support "cap and trade", |
| science and technology, and institutions; and | | | | whereas Obama has a more aggressive plan than |
| (3) Promoting international cooperation | | | | McCain; and nuclear power is definitely McCain's |
| But general consensus is that this current policy is | | | | passion, as clean coal is Obama's. Renewable |
| severely flawed; US climate change policy relies | | | | energy, Obama has a clear, well sought after plan, |
| on corporations voluntarily reducing their | | | | where McCain's standing is a bit murky. McCain is |
| greenhouse gas output. Recent research shows | | | | adamant about fossil fuels, and Obama |
| that pledging to cut carbon is bad for business, | | | | encourages the use of non-food source biofuels. |
| which is why so few firms take such minimal | | | | More than focusing on the reduction of |
| voluntary measures. Reducing carbon emissions | | | | greenhouse gas through emissions, lawmakers |
| will require tough regulation; will our newly elected | | | | need to also realize that forest conservation can |
| administration get tough on global warming? | | | | play a critical role in efforts to reduce greenhouse |
| During the Vice-Presidential debate on October | | | | gas emissions and alleviate poverty. |
| 2nd, on climate change, Sarah Palin was quick to | | | | |