This is Good News for Climate Change

[sheshe2]

President Obama's climate change team - not what you'd expect

When analyzing an administration's capacity for tackling an issue like climate change, it is tempting to look at cabinet positions like Director of EPA or Secretary of Energy. And those are all important positions.

But take a look at this line-up:

Secretary of State John Kerry - We all know about Kerry's commitment to dealing with climate change. And in his first speech as Secretary of State, he came out swinging.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/kerry-climate-change.htm
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/284017-kerry-comes-out-swinging-on-climate-change


Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel - Many environmentalists were worried about Hagel's nomination. It turns out, their concerns were unwarranted.

http://grist.org/politics/could-chuck-hagel-likely-defense-secretary-nominee-turn-out-to-be-a-climate-hawk/

On the other hand, Hagel has long cited climate change as a threat to national security and an important issue in terms of international relations. Here’s how Charlyne Berens explains it in her 2006 book Chuck Hagel: Moving Forward:

The science behind the assertions of global warming may not have convinced him to act, but his internationalist position seems to have done the trick. The senator said a global response to climate change is “a big deal to our allies, and it’s time we reconnect with them.” The issue deserves attention not only on the merits but also because America’s record on the environment has become one of many image problems for the United States, Hagel said: “Here’s the U.S., the biggest polluter, the wealthiest nation, pushing everybody around unilaterally.” He believes that needs to change.

SNIP:

That is important partly because it means that the recent efforts of DOD (the largest energy consumer on the planet) to go green will continue. But its way more than that.
...the military has advantages that no other institution can match. It can focus on long-term strategy and take on the large upfront costs of renewable energy. It can single-handedly create a market and drive innovation, as it’s doing with advanced biofuels. And as virtually the only institution left that Americans trust, it can serve as an unmatched champion of the virtues of smart energy. There is nothing happening in the U.S. right now that has anything near the potential impact of this.

Chief of Staff Denis McDonough - Apparently even in his former position as part of the White House National Security Council, McDonough played a key role on climate change issues.

http://www.nationaljournal.com/magazine/the-man-who-could-put-climate-change-on-the-agenda-20130404

SNIP:

Because of these people, I believe that movement on the issue of climate change over the next 4 years will come predominantly in the national security arena. From diplomacy to defense, we are poised to see significant developments in the next few years...if we know where to look.

More at the link.

http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/

[In_The_Wind]

1. Wow! Thank you for bring all this information together.

The blog is very interesting.

[sheshe2]

2. Thanks, I_T_W

Smartypants is a great blog...love her!

Hagel has long cited climate change as a threat to national security

Kudos to Chuck Hagel.

[Cha]

3. This is great news on our Climate's future.

Thanks, she! I finally was able to post on smartypants' blog and tell her I liked it. She has such an interesting perspective.

[sheshe2]

4. Saving our World,

One step at a time, Cha.

[randome]

5. Continuance of the government is the last line of defense.

I'm sure the national security apparatus understands how much of a threat climate change poses.

[Kath1]

6. Wow! Thanks!

Much needed and way overdue! Thanks!

[NickB79]

7. Well, action speaks louder than words

I have my fingers crossed, but I won't breath easy until Kerry formally kills the Keystone XL pipeline.

The fact they've "studied" it for this long is worrying.

Also, Obama had talked quite a bit about fighting climate change during his first term. That didn't stop him from bragging about how US oil production is at a 10-yr high during the debates with Romney, or how natural gas is a "cleaner" energy solution despite evidence it releases MORE greenhouse gases than coal or oil.

I guess time will tell.

[AverageJoe90]

8. Thank you so much, sheshe2, we needed that. n/t =)

[BlancheSplanchnik]

9. thanks sheshe. Definitely need some good news. I sure hope we see ACTION!!

fingers crossed.....