The Un-Discussed Issue

“The Un-discussed Issue”

With Obama and Clinton debating the merits, or lack thereof, of a “gas tax holiday” this summer, and John McCain debating whether we will be in Iraq for ten or a hundred years, the most important issue of our time has been all but neglected by the candidates and the media. It is also very low on the list of priorities with voters when asked in an exit poll why they voted for a particular candidate.

Global Warming is the single most pressing issue any President will face, and depending on their commitment to saving the planet, will determine how we live for decades to come. If we think the economy is bad now, or that weather around the world has become more severe and unpredictable, we haven’t seen anything yet. When the Polar ice cap and the Greenland ice sheet melt, ocean levels around the world will rise some thirty feet, thereby flooding every major coastal city around the world. These are not “what if” scenarios, but rather when these events will occur. The candidates talk about developing alternative, sustainable sources of energy and reducing our carbon footprint through cap and trade or carbon tax measures, but upon taking office the next President will face enormous and immediate problems like Iraq, Afghanistan, the economy, immigration and healthcare reform. There will be little time and even less money to deal with Global Warming.

Even if we started today and reduced carbon emissions by 50%, it might well be too late to reverse the tide of warming the earth is experiencing. Waiting until next January, and probably several more years before meaningful environmental action is taken, will spell absolute disaster for all Americans and the global community as well. Perhaps when the Democrats decide to nominate a candidate, and the campaign focuses on the real issues, both parties will make the environment a top tier issue. Our very way of life and the future of planet Earth depends upon it.

By:

Henry A. Lowenstein