The Political Climate: an ongoing commentary on the NH Primary and Climate Change

The results of the latest Pew Global Attitudes Project should be disconcerting for any U.S. citizen.  The Pew Research Center measured the favorability rating of the United States abroad by surveying more than 45,000 people in 46 countries around the world from April 16 through May 29.

Though the U.S. held favorable majorities in 25 of 46 countries, comparing the 2007 results to 2002 was scary.  Sympathy for the United States in the post 9/11 year may have boosted the 2002 numbers a little bit. That being said, the study found large drops in favorability with some of our oldest and closest allies.  To our neighbors in Canada, we are 17% less popular.  This is a significant drop, but far less than some of our European allies.  We are 24% less well liked with Britain, 23% less with France, and 30% less in Germany than we were in 2002.

Here in New Hampshire, what immediately comes to mind after reading these drops in international popularity is an issue that affects the everyday lives of the entire international community, climate change.  Our precious winters are getting shorter, hurting key industries in the North Country like skiing and maple sugar, production was down 6% this year and 25% in Maine (For more figures click here.)  The Pew survey’s findings reflect a populous world opinion about the worlds leading emitter.  The study also found that “concern about global warming has soared in the last five years.  Most respondents agree that the environment is in trouble and most blame the United States, and to a much more limited degree, China, according to the survey” (For more on the study click here).

Presidential candidates should seize this major opportunity to improve our international standing by discussing this climate change and outlining their own climate change action plans.  New Hampshire citizens can foster a global warming discussion within the state’s Presidential Primary discourse and perhaps help to recapture our favorable world stature.  Check our candidate calendar for upcoming events and start asking questions.

New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers met for their annual NEG-ECP retreat on Monday with greenhouse gas emissions at the top of their priority list.  New Englanders Brian Thurber and Berl Hartman gave their own advice for the group of leaders in a Boston Globe op-ed on “Global Warming and Economic Growth.” 

Thurber and Hartman noted that the meeting would most likely be a low profile event but that both global warming advocates and the investment community should pay close attention.  Acknowledging that the NEG-ECP made a significant agreement in 2001 with targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they said that progress has been slow and the targets will most likely not be met on time.  Thurber and Hartman commented that the group could benefit from regional leadership similar to that of Gov. Schwarzenegger.  They say that by taking the lead on global warming, California has seen substantial economic benefits.  View the entire piece here.

Vermont Governor Douglas, chairman of the New England Governors said that “more remains to be done if the targets … are to be achieved.”  While the group agrees that they will not wait for the federal government, Douglas notes that “We can’t do it alone.  We know that true long-term improvements in air quality will take the efforts of all of us - especially our federal governments.”  Read more here. 

Canadian Press reported on Tuesday that the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers represent about 30 million people.  With 164 towns in NH passing a Climate Change Resolution this spring, we know that NH residents are making sure that both local and national policy makers are paying attention … and as the pack of presidential candidates comes through the state, NH voters will be asking them questions about global warming and TPC will be sure to let you know what all of the candidates are saying.

To read more about the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers’ Climate Change Action Plan, click here.

Gov. Mike Huckabee stressed his commitment to the environment and sounded similar to the Governor from California in his remarks during a meeting with South Carolinians.  Our friends in South Carolina informed us about Huckabee’s remarks made on 6/22.

Huckabee described the natural link between his moral tenets as a conservative and a conservationist.  He mentioned his belief that conservation and economic development were interdependent.  This statement counteracts the typical global warming skeptic’s charge that any environmentally beneficial change would ruin the American economy.  He continued to mention that as an avid sportsman and a Christian, he believes that we have a moral obligation to protect God’s creation.

From our South Carolina colleagues:

“In reference to international climate change policy, the Governor (Huckabee) was asked whether or not the U.S. should wait for China before acting.  His response was that the U.S. should not wait for China, but that the U.S. should demand, via trade policy, that China compete on an even footing in terms of environmental regulation.  He also voiced support for increased auto fuel efficiency standards as well as alternative fuels.  On this latter point he emphasized that such fuels or energy sources be both clean and “home-grown.”  In this context, Governor reviewed his strong commitment to energy independence.”

Does climate action help America re-capture its role as the moral world leader?  This does not mean waiting around for developing countries like China, but rather setting an example that makes such environmental and economic sense that the rest of the world follows.  The Republicans for Environmental Protection see the connection between conservation and economics clearly.  Their website explains their philosophy:

“We are Republicans.  We share a deep concern for the environment.  We know that a healthy environment and a sound economy are both essential to our nation’s prosperity.  We believe that by working together, we can preserve both our environment and our economy for current and future generations of Americans.”

New Hampshire citizens have the opportunity to hold Huckabee to his word and to the standard of the aforementioned Republicans for Environmental Protection.  Let’s make sure he explains his climate change action plans at all his New Hampshire appearances.  He will be at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds in Contoocook, NH on July 7th along with two other republican candidates (for July 7th information click here).

NH activists are finding new ways to tell our national leadership that they are concerned about climate change.  One of the most creative efforts TPC has come across lately is the “Climb It for the Climate” which will take place on Saturday, July 14.  The young, grassroots group Climate Summer is organizing a hike up each of the Presidential Peaks in the White Mountains to send a message to the country about NH’s concern for climate change.  Hikers will hold banners atop each of the peaks asking the question “What would [president’s name] do?”  It’s free to sign up and promises to be a great day for anyone who cares about global warming and enjoys hiking.

Young people are becoming a very active part of the climate change campaign.  Even MTV has jumped on board with their Break the Addiction 12-step, 12-month action plan to make a difference.  One result of The Johnson Foundation Wingspread Conference May 18-19 is that young climate change activists are now planning a large training session and rally for 3000-5000 college students this fall.  The conference will be called Power Shift 2007 and will be held on the campus of George Washington University in DC.  The students are working as part of the Energy Action Coalition to empower young people from all over the country to raise the issue of climate change in their respective campuses, cities and states.  With the hope of drawing presidential candidates, the event will demonstrate the power of youth and show that they are committed to climate change as a central campaign issue.

According to a report done by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, voting among 18-24 year olds for the presidential election in 2004 reached an all time high at 47%, an increase of 11% from 2000. With the youth vote becoming increasingly important, it is being highly sought after by candidates across the board for the ‘08 run.  Let’s just hope they listen to what the youth have to say!