Political Forces Uniting for Climate Change

Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and John Kerry (D-MA) have joined forces in writing an opinion piece calling for senate unity to create a bipartisan agreement on dealing with climate change. The piece was 2 pages in length and published by the New York Times. In its context was the outlining of agreements both parties should compromise on to achieve an advantageous bill. The first issue discussed calls for unanimous consent that as a country we need to aggressively cut greenhouse gas emissions through a market-based system that will provide flexibility and an appropriate time-line for big polluters. It was noted that a failure to do so would threaten our economy and national security. Also written to be included in legislation was the importance of pursuing emission-free, nuclear power and breaking our dependence on oil from hostile nations. “Even climate change skeptics should recognize that reducing our dependence on foreign oil and increasing our energy efficiency strengthens our national security. Both of us served in the military. We know that sending nearly $800 million a day to sometimes-hostile oil-producing countries threatens our security”. At the end of the piece the senators pointed out that a failure to come to agreements and pass legislation would result in the Environmental Protection Agency imposing new regulations, which “...are likely to be tougher and they certainly will not include the job protections and investment incentives we are proposing”. [1]

Also in the news for shifting positions on climate change was Chinese President Hu Jintao. Jintao’s speech is being called the first climate change speech spoken by a Chinese leader addressed to the United Nations. The President announced that China will be reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing its reliance on clean energy sources. Although no target levels for cutting emissions were mentioned, China did say they would develop both renewable and nuclear energy technologies. Additionally, China is to increase forest cover by 40 million hectares to sequester carbon as emission offsets. [2]

                

[1] “Yes We Can (Pass Climate Change Legislation)” John Kerry and Lindsey Graham. New York Times. 10/10/09. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/opinion/11kerrygraham.html_r=1&sq=john%20kerry,%20lindsey%20graham%20opinion%20piece&st=cse&adxnnl=1&scp=1&pagewanted=2&adxnnlx=1255370468-pkcBYTYaYODzGWEPsMNdxQ           

[2] “Chinese President Pledges Steps to Combat Climate Change”. CNN. 9/22/09.http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/09/22/un.china.climate/index.html