President Barak Obama is apparently emboldened as he entered into his second term of office. In his inaugural address he spoke of gay rights and gun control. But he gave the most attention --eight sentences -- to responding to climate change. It certainly makes sense after 2012 was marked by severe weather events including Superstorm Sandy. Amongst those sentences were:
“We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms.”
This is encouraging in a country where climate change denial is finally eroding, with more than 70% of Americans now conceding that it is real and a threat. Unfortunately conservative Christianity in the U.S. is a bastion of denial for reasons difficult to understand. This anti-scientific view has nothing to do with Christian faith but that is how it is perceived.
This initiative won't be easy for Obama and the Democrats. The president introduced legislation during his first term which went nowhere. Controlling greenhouse gas emissions is views as anti-business as well, and in a fragile economy there will be vigorous opposition.
This initiative won't be easy for Obama and the Democrats. The president introduced legislation during his first term which went nowhere. Controlling greenhouse gas emissions is views as anti-business as well, and in a fragile economy there will be vigorous opposition.
Were you aware of this emphasis in the inaugural address? Are you encouraged? Do you believe that Obama will do more than talk?
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