Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Environment and Energy Rise to the Top of Political Issues
Due to the upcoming elections, candidates have begun spending large sums of money on advertising, and one of the main things they are highlighting is environmental issues. Candidates on both sides of the political spectrum have been debating global warming, coal mining, and alternate energy, and it is clear that these environmental issues will play a large role in the midterms as well as in the 2016 presidential race.
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I think that it is interesting that, although no talk of climate surfaced in the 2012 debates, politicians currently embrace environmental issues in their ads. It is a good thing, because environmental policy is essential, and, although I'm not 100% confident what my views considering it might be, I understand that it matters more than many trivial policies that get ridiculous amounts of airtime and attention. The environment needs to be protected, but as for fossil fuels, I feel that humans have already impacted the resources available so hugely that cutting back now would have minimal benefits and extremely difficult economic results. The most vital thing, to me, seems to be renewable, green energy and the scientific exploration of it. When fossil fuels fail us, we need something to fall back on! Anyway, in the article, I found it interesting to see that Democrats in more Republican-inclined states take a less-President-Obama-esque stance on environmental protection; this proves that getting the vote in a certain context matters more to politicians than adhering to a general party opinion does.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see that politicians have decided to stop ignoring environmental issues even if its just for show during their campaigns. Recently, environmental issues seem to have dropped out of the spotlight after their prominence in 2012. People seem to have forgotten that the ice caps are melting extremely rapidly and tigers are nearly extinct. Alternative energy is ready to go and take over for fossil fuels and coal at any time but politicians have looked the other way instead of implementing change. Hopefully the election will bring something good to the table.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see these environmental issues being addressed, just like Becky and Jaime. However, I can't help but be skeptical that change will actually come. There are plenty of things that politicians say that they will do once elected that, mysteriously, do not actually get done. This doesn't mean that they're lying, it just means that they can't always keep their promises. So, personally, I'm not getting my hopes up.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that climate is becoming more of an issue, but it is just being used to fuel candidates' political future. I agree that environmental issues seem to have disappeared from the public 's conscience. Even pro-coal ads are at least bringing up the issue for discussion. As long as we are critically discussing the issue instead of ignoring it, I feel a solution will be met.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone above, I'm happy that the government wants to do something about the environment and actually cares about it but quite frankly, nothing ever gets done. Like Becky said, a few years ago, global warming and other environmental issues were talked about way more than it is talked about now. I think that over the past few years, talk about the environment has died down but I'm happy that it is getting more talk now.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that the environment is actually being discussed, but I think that it's just another fad. The environment always comes up at the tail end of the chain of promises that accompany campaigns and most of the time, nothing is actually accomplished. People only think about the environment when something like an oil spill happens and gas prices rise and it directly affects their lives, but as soon as the event fades, the interest does too. It's sad. If the general public and politicians were properly educated on water and soil pollution, the full effects of fossil fuels, and indoor pollution, they might be more proactive, but if history serves as a lesson, our world will just keep doing this: making empty promises and then disregarding the fact that they were ever said. Until America gets overrun with actual gasoline in their drinking water, there won't be any change.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alexa. Most of politics is business and the fact that environmental issues often fall less in favor of business, tends to lead these ideas sideways. It is impossible to think of a fully environmentally minded politician because politics is so much business. If anything it might be possible to see faulty promises from politicians to improve environmental issues.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to finally see the environment becoming more of an important issue. I disagree with Alexa that this is just a fad. As the article stated, the Democrats are going on the offensive and are starting to make it more of a focal point. Something needs to be done because global warming is real and in full effect. I'm sick and tired of the GOP trying to argue that global warming isn't real. Becky is right, it is time for politicians to start implementing change. Now that the Democrats seem to be brining environmental changes to the table, hopefully we will see a stronger stance for environmental protection in 2016.
ReplyDeleteThe environment is a very important asset to the future of not only the country but our entire world. China's environment is so bad that their smog crosses the Pacific Ocean and pollutes California. Unless we want an environment that bad, politicians need to get serious about staying true to fixing these problems.
ReplyDeleteThe environment is an issue, if you deny that you're living I a fantasy world. However, I don't believe it should be of top concern. EPA regulations have been strangling the coal industry, which is a major employer and supporter of the economy. Regulation is not the answer, killing jobs is not the answer. Competition, innovation, and investments will allow for more alternative energy companies to grow. Thus preserving coal but also creating jobs in sustainable, renewable energy.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy that environmental issues are finally being addressed. It is better late than never I guess. I do think it should be a main priority. It doesn't matter what the economy is like if we can't live in our country becuase the air isn't safe to breath or there is no clean water to drink. I think that cutting back on the use of fossil fuels at this point is a wasted effort. We have already depleted the supplies so drastically that our efforts now should be directed towards finding an alternative source of fuel.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though it makes sense to increase the emphasis on environmental issues in campaign ads. Almost every American could agree that conserving the environment is a good thing, but many disagree on how to do it and with what funds. The heavy involvement of coal and oil in these debates seems to come from a place of concern for the states income on these two materials rather than concern for the environment.
ReplyDeleteWhile many candidates may be advertising their position on environmental issues, it is unlikely that this campaign strategy will lead to tangible policy solutions. Even if the majority of Americans express concern for the environment, it is the top concern for very few, primarily because the environment rarely has a direct, recognizable impact on people's lives. Also, since the diatribes made by John Kerry and Al Gore in the early 2000s have largely been invalidated, Americans are beginning to realize that while they spend a lot of time accusing Republicans of "ignoring the science," Democrats can not actually formulate any practical solutions to climate issues. Therefore, people have become less enchanted by doomsday debates about climate change, and turn to more pertinent issues, such as healthcare. I find it interesting that the article made no mention of the Keystone pipeline, which has overwhelming support from climate scientists, but has not been authorized by Obama. I would expect candidates to be out campaigning in favor of this project as much as, if not more than, they are for issues such as alternative energy sources, especially in Midwestern battleground states such as Iowa and Kentucky.
ReplyDeleteRepublicans are consistently attacked for being enviro-hating soulless people who want future generations to live in a coal-blackened wasteland. In reality, however, Republicans are as concerned about the environment as democrats, they just also consider the economic repercussions. Many communities are supported entirely by a coal mine or other ecologically harmful institution. If these were regulated against, whole towns could be at risk, and these places, largely in the already poorest places in America, could not survive. Environmental regulation can come, but it has to be very well thought out.
ReplyDeleteEnviromental issues are important to campaign for for two main reasons. One becasaue it affects everyone. Everyone is affected by the envirmoment around them and climate change so everyone will pay close attention to the issue. The second reason is because almost everyone supports keeping the enviroment safe. There are some that dont really care but most people want to see the enviroment improve and try and reduce pollution.
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