And the Winner is…Climate Change (?)

Posted on November 7, 2012 by bradleydibble

Last night Americans spoke. Loud and clear? I’m not so sure. It was a nail-biter—although a quicker resolution than many predicted—and not the strongest mandate the US has ever seen by a long shot. Shades of the 2000 election, particularly with some of the swing states so close so much of the time.

But as far as I’m concerned, the only candidate who was willing to consider tackling climate change was the best one for the job. And thankfully, that’s who won.

President Obama has been criticized for being silent on climate change leading up to the election, but at least he’s made it clear on previous occasions what he thinks about the issue: Continue reading →

Today is Election Day—Make the Right Decision

Posted on November 6, 2012 by bradleydibble

“A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation.”
—James Freeman Clarke

Far be it from me to try to influence your decision about who you should vote for in today’s presidential election. Chances are you’ve already made up your mind. But on the small chance that you’re a) undecided and b) still planning to vote today, let me offer you this one little piece of information to consider.

It’s not all that long ago that Governor Romney made a mockery of President Obama’s attitudes toward global warming and climate change during the Republican National Convention. It’s even more recently that Hurricane Sandy made a mockery of the US eastern seaboard.

In case the irony of these two events has been lost on you, the folks at ClimateSilence.org have put together a video to highlight these salient details. I’d suggest you watch this and then go out and vote. If you care at all about climate change as a long-term problem and think it’s an issue we need to tackle, your decision should be an easy one.

May the better man win.

Mitt Romney Endorsed by Montgomery Burns!

Posted on November 3, 2012 by bradleydibble

Yesterday’s post was about New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsing President Barack Obama for next week’s election after he had to deal with Hurricane Sandy. His rationale was that he believed climate change is a problem that needs to be dealt with at the level of the White House, and he considers Obama as the better candidate to do that.

I thought it only fair to offer an endorsement on the other side. The best one I could find was from an important industrialist known for over two decades as a successful businessman who appreciates what’s best for the economy. (Or at least for his economy.) Enjoy.

It’s the Economy, Stupid! (So No Need to Bother About Climate Change!)

Posted on October 18, 2012 by bradleydibble

“We have increased oil production to the highest levels in 16 years.”
-President Obama listing an accomplishment at the second presidential debate.

I can’t say I’m surprised that this week’s presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney didn’t address climate change. Disappointed, yes. Surprised, sadly no.

Energy got a lot of attention. And yes, President Obama (who seemed to have found his mojo compared with the first debate) came out with strong endorsements of renewable energy, stating that the US needs to invest in “solar and wind and biofuels, [and] energy efficient cars.” Yet when the sparring began between the two, it was more about who could outdrill whom. Continue reading →

Presidential Debate Topics: Is There Room for Climate Change?

Posted on October 4, 2012 by bradleydibble

“And by the way I like coal.”
—Gov. Mitt Romney

“We have to look at the energy source of the future: wind and solar and biofuels.”
—President Barack Obama

Leading up to the first presidential debate which took place last night, global warming has largely been off the radar for the two candidates. At the Republican National Convention, Mitt Romney made his little dig at the President:

“President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and heal the planet. My promise is to help you and your family.” (I guess Romney believes helping the economy and helping the environment are mutually exclusive.)

President Obama followed up with a brief retort at the Democratic National Convention one week later:

“My plan will continue to reduce the carbon pollution that is heating our planet, because climate change is not a hoax.”

At least the President is still a believer, but that was all that’s been said on the matter up to this point. For such a huge topic affecting Americans as well as the whole world, it’s curious that this hasn’t been getting more attention. In fact, I would expect that both sides of this issue would want the discussion out in the open. Continue reading →