Environmental issues in US politics

[stormbind]

Do environmental issues have any influence in US politics?

They do here, but nowhere near enough. Given the obvious global warming issues, and strange weather patterns, I think it's about time all governments acted.

Some governments do take some action. It appears to be similar to the technology races, when they are doing slightly better than the competition, they reduce investment.

Those governments that are currently leading the eco-friendly race, think it's OK to screw the environment. Do you see the hypocrisy and inherent dangers?

Is the USA in that race, and why doesn't it seem to be a serious issue in the current campaigns?

 

[SeleucusNicator]

Al Gore campaigned as an environmentalist in 2000, but he was the exception rather than the rule. It is assumed that Democrats will increase environmental regulation while Republicans will cut it back. There are a few references in Democratic speeches to protecting the environment, and a few references in Republican speeches about cutting back bureaucratic red tape and harmful regulations, but that's about it.

 

[Godwynn]

Americans generally care more about the other 'e'. The Economy.

 

[CIVPhilzilla]

Environment should be a more important issue, but with Bush in office, the environment is doomed.

 

[h4ppy]

People don't care about the environment since it is currently not affecting them.

 

[stormbind]

People don't care about the environment since it is currently not affecting them.

But it does. Strange, more extreme, weathern patterns are a feature of today's weather. There's also depleting fish stocks.

Another issue is that it's easier and faster to mess up the environment, than it is to fix it. We don't even have the technology to clean up yet - the best we can actually do, is employ alternative solutions to slow down the rate of change!

When we are severely punished for our procrastination, it will be many times more difficult, or perhaps impossible, to undo the problems we are creating.

 

[h4ppy]

But it is not currently affecting people visually, and that is what people care about during elections.