Comments on: Must-read Obama speech warns of “irreversible catastrophe” on climate, asserts “no single issue is as fundamental to our future as energy”

By: Free Kids Games

Free Kids Games — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:53:20 +0000

Glad Obama’s taking action! Though sad to think how I won’t likely see the results in my lifetime.

By: club penguin

club penguin — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:42:31 +0000

I looks like Obama actually understands the risks posed to us (right now) by both climate disruption and peak oil! I kept telling people that when I was canvassing for Obama, but I sometimes wondered if it was wishful thinking, since politicians usually turn out to be, well, politicians.

By: Richard

Richard — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:17:39 +0000

I agree with the carbon tax, it should be split four ways,
Fund the
1. Energy Efficiency improvements,
2. Conversion to Renewable energy
3. Basic health care for all American citizens
4. Raise the minimum limit for taxable income and earned income tax credit, to help the less well off.

The tax is much simpler, more stable and easier for businesses to plan for. It is also less susceptible to manipulation in the market by speculators.

By: Roger

Roger — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:43:00 +0000

I agree that a carbon tax would be best. It’s simple, so people can understand it. Due to the price elasticity of demand, we can figure out, over time, how high the tax needs to be to get the CO2 reduction we need.

May Obama have the courage to speak out in favor of a tax on carbon, which ought to be called ~ a climate preservation fee, or CPF. The money collected can be redistributed to people, as well as invested in a new grid.

By: JeandeBegles

JeandeBegles — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:59:28 +0000

Obama is talking about tough decisions to come.
Indeed car regulation is not a tough decision. Regulation for fuel efficiency is needed, but is not enough to cut our CO2 emissions.
Individuals must be involved, and for such involvement a clear price signal must be set; this is the purpose of a carbon tax, with redistribution for not impacting the poor or middle income people who are not the ones causing important CO2 emissions (because the CO2 emissions are mainly linked to the wealth of every individual).
The carbon tax is the single tough decision (as quoted by Al gore): hope that Obama will be bold enough to enact it.

By: Bill

Bill — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:12:49 +0000

I am lovin’ what this guy is saying right here. America did right electing this man. I just hope he is as good at supporting and encouraging American to do the small things that can make so much difference: Biking, gardening, buying local, etc. I would hope he can start using the word “sustainability” as a value and a goal we make a personal effort and a national effort towards.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:38:21 +0000

Obama is showing real leadership. He understands that hard choices must be made and that an enormous amount of work is required in the future. But it’s also clear from this speech that he understands how energy renewal can be the wedge issue that splits so many thorny problems. I truly believe he is the right person to lead America at this juncture of history.

By: Greg Y

Greg Y — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:59:05 +0000

… and the various lawsuits the industry has brought to block state action.”

What ever happened to good old consumer boycotts?

Manufacturer blocks genuine societal progress with spurious or harmful self interested litigious behaviour, consumer ceases to support manufacturer, manufacturer disappears. Next!

By: Aaron Thorne

Aaron Thorne — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:03:47 +0000

I’d love to see a big push for Heavy, Passenger, and High Speed rail expansion and construction in America.

I will help home grown industries, limit trucks to the last 3-500 miles of transport instead of 2-3000, and help communities all across the country.

It’s an easy and fast step towards a better environment and economy.

By: David B. Benson

David B. Benson — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:30:19 +0000

I want an “excess carbon dioxide removal fee”.

ASAP