manual
greening it your guide to greener living
Next week, Kansas Democrats and Republicans will rock out with their caucuses out to choose a candidate for the presidential election.
Unfortunately, little has been brought up at either side's debates about the environment, excluding a snowman that apparently posted video questions on YouTube for one of the first Democratic debates this season.
Here is a quick look at how "green" each of the remaining candidates are-
Candidate information from: www.grist.com
candidate policy pro controversial con from a student from a professor my final vote
democrats
Hillary Clinton
Clinton has spent her Senate years as a member of the Environment and Public Works committee, so she understands the need for change. WAL*MART global warming solutions in Aisle 5.
She was on Wal-Mart's board of directors from 1986-1992 and may still be bogged down by "big business." She probably won't find global warming solutions in Aisle 5.
"Unfortunately, she supports continued support for biofuel subsidies. Corn-based ethanol has shown to provide about a 1-to-1 return on energy inputs, and those inputs are polluting and nonsustainable." (Sifton)
"It's really hard to pinpoint differences between her and the other three. The differences would come down to the ability to accomplish change in Washington DC."
Barack Obama
Obama received early endorsements from the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters. He has fewer ties to polluting industries and should be able to choose better advisers.
He supports the now-typical cap-and-trade program* to reduce emissions by 80 percent by 2050; a lofty (and easily avoidable) goal.
"Obama advocates for investment not just in research and design but in job training and re-training for workers who are affected by changes in the job market that are sure to come with an increased emphasis on renewable energy production." (Sifton)
"He's got the ability to make conservation sound 'conservative' again and 'environment' appeal to the Republicans who helped invent that movement in the 1950s and 60s."
John Edwards
First candidate to make his campaign carbon-neutral and the first to propose many touted talking points, such as the 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050.
Support of ethanol as an alternative fuel source, even though its efficiency and cost-effectiveness have been called into question.
"On environmental and energy issues, Edwards is leading the Democrats. He came out with his plan first and was quickly mimicked by other candidates." (Sifton)
"I doubt he'll be the nominee, but if so, he would be more personally passionate about environmental quality than Clinton."
Mike Gravel
Work with other countries to reduce emissions, outlaw coal as an energy source. YouTube Broadcast Yourself Is anyone sure he's still running for president? I think he just likes seeing himself on YouTube.
Neither knew he was still in the race.
Didn't know he was still in the race.
republicans
Rudy Giuliani
Um, turn the lights off when you leave the room?
Supports an increased reliance on coal and domestic oil. At least the haze from unregulated greenhouse gases should avert potential terrorists.
"I'm surprised that he hasn't taken much of a stance." (Tran)
"He was a tough prosecutor before becoming an elected official. But, like all the Republicans, he minimizes the impact of environmental damage."
Mike Huckabee
Draws in the much-needed Evangelical conservatives with the 11th Commandment: Father God created Mother Earth.
What would Jesus do? I suppose He would support coal pollution and be vague about setting goals.
"He is open to cap-and-trade* systems, but he hasn't taken a firm stance." (Tran)
"Evangelical Christians are flirting with environmental responsibility, so he might be open to initiatives that emphasize community health and equal access to environmental quality."
Mitt Romney
Supports plans for energy independence and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
After claiming that people don't want change in the White House and being tied to a global warming denier group, he's not too interested.
"Romney said he would support a cap-and-trade* system only if the rest of the world does it. It's a cop-out answer. He doesn't want America to lead the way to fight global warming." (Tran)
"Of all the Republicans, he seems the most promising because of his intelligence, political heritage and background on the cutting-edge of business management."
Ron Paul
Would end subsidies to the oil industry and believes that war is a contributor to pollution problems.
Paul's campaign is determined by the free market.
"He hasn't said much about it. Rumor has it that he might not even think global warming is occurring." (Iran)
Didn't know he was still in the race.
John McCain
First Republican to talk seriously on the issue and to understand the connection between global warming and national security.
Ironically, the driver of the Straight Talk Express hasn't mentioned any specific targets to combat climate change.
"Out of the Republicans, he has been the most vocal about environmental issues." (Tran)
"McCain has changed positions on so many issues in an effort to appeal to ultra-conservatives in the party, that I doubt his long-term commitment to environmental protection."
10 01.31.2008
VOL. 5 ISS. 18
contact the writer:
lkeith@kansan.com
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interesting fact: Sea urchins have five teeth in the middle of their back side. —library.thinkquest.org