The facts are there, the stats are
there, and yet the topic of climate change is still gravely missing in this
year’s presidential debates. So why is it that a serious issue such as climate
changes is hardly being touched on by candidates in this year’s election? For
those who watched the first presidential debate and the vice presidential
debate, you may have had the same questions I did. Why is this issue not being
addressed? Does Mitt Romney have a plan to reduce our impacts on the
environment? Does he even think that climate change is an issue? What exactly
does President Obama suggest we do to address the seriousness of climate
change?
As a future science teacher and an
advocate for the planet (being that it’s my home), I find that it is necessary
for President Obama and Governor Romney to take some time to discuss this
ongoing issue. According to Richard Harris of NPR, scientists view climate
change as one of the world’s most serious long term problems. Being that it is
such a serious issue, I found it a little alarming when governor Romney stood
on stage during the Republican National Convention and laughed as he stated, “President
Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans," he said, pausing
for the applause and laughter to rise, "and to heal the planet.” On the
contrary, a week later during the Democratic National Convention President
Obama addressed this comment by saying, “Change is not a hoax. More droughts
and floods and wildfires are not a joke. They are a threat to our children's
future. And in this election, you can do something about it."
I understand that Governor Romney is not
that only person who thinks climate change is not a problem, however in my
opinion, the facts are there. You can type ‘global warming’ into Google and
find hundreds of credible sources regarding this very serious issue; and though
President Obama and Governor Romney have been talking about important issues
regarding the future, if we continue to destroy our planet and not address
climate change, what kind of future will the youth really have?
Though this issue hasn't been addressed
much during this election season, there has been slight progress made. When
President Obama was first elected into office, climate change was one of his
main focuses. During a talk in Copenhagen, President Obama pledged to reduce
U.S. emissions by 17 percent over 2005 levels by the year 2020. President Obama
also pressed to get more aggressive action out of China, India and the world's
other biggest carbon dioxide emitters. However, President Obama's plans didn't make it past the opposition of Republican leaders in congress.
Even with opposition in congress
however, the following accomplishments to address climate change have been
made: First, there were greenhouse gas standards for cars put into place. There
have also been power plant requirements (proper waste disposal, etc.) as well
as an increase in more efficient appliances.
Though many websites are biased and are
either right-winged or left-winged, it is necessary we get these two candidates
talking about the issue of climate change. For many swing voters, this issue
could make or break their decision at the polls. It will be interesting to see
what will happen in the third and final debate on October 22nd, and
if climate change will be a topic of discussion.
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