Comments on: Obama: “Our future on this planet depends on our willingness to address the challenge posed by carbon pollution,” vows “we will exceed [R&D] level achieved at the height of the space race.”

By: James

James — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:08:12 +0000

It’s inspiring and reassuring to hear our President recognize the central role of science and innovation in our nation’s future. I hope he can continue to build support for accelerated transition to clean energy and transportation systems, and with that support set more aggressive goals than stated above.

By: Wilmot McCutchen

Wilmot McCutchen — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:29:51 +0000

The problem isn’t so much how much we spend on R&D, but how we spend it. Applied science for pollution is scorned, while fruitless big science such as particle physics, supercolliders, hot fusion, string theory, hydrogen cars, and absurd CO2 dumping schemes (”sequestration”) absorb nearly all available money.

More money down the same black holes will not help, and will leave us too impoverished for a later effort once we know what to do.

By: Leland Palmer

Leland Palmer — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:25:48 +0000

This amount of funding for science is still small potatoes compared to what we just spent to invade Iraq.

But, good for Obama for increasing it, anyway.

By: Yuebing

Yuebing — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:03:30 +0000

Just to reiterate,

If you have the time, read the transcript of Obama’s talk to the NAS. Hope and Progress.

http://features.csmonitor.com/ politics/ 2009/ 04/ 27/ obamas-teleprompter-commits-mutiny-during-major-science-speech/

By: Richard Pauli

Richard Pauli — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:02:12 +0000

In a more perfect world there would be ferocious climate leadership in state and local governments, in the military, all of our industry, the courts, medical, and every federal agency. Too many institutions have been long since emasculated. I hope the EPA steps forward soon. I am very pleased that Obama is leading us in this direction. Shouldn’t we have other leaders doing so also?

By: john

john — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:08:35 +0000

Mr. Pauli:

It doesn’t mean anything other than what it says — but I suppose if you juxtaopse Obama’s statement with the anti-science, pro ignoramous side of our political spectrum your interpretation is right.

Having said that, I’d rather see him put a full court press on policies that make our economy use energy more efficiently. It’s not about how much money the government spends, it’s about how smart out policies are — things like Van Hollen’s green bank and efficiency bonds in conjunction with super aggressive auto efficiency standards are what will get us where we need to be — not R&D and $$$.

By: ee grad student

ee grad student — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:45:21 +0000

Richard Pauli,

I think the more accurate restatement of the title would be:

“Our president actually understands that there is nothing more important than ensuring that there is a future for humans on this planet.”

By: oxnardprof

oxnardprof — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:15:15 +0000

THank you for sharing this speech. I will have to listen to it myself.

It does seem to me that elections matter – so we should individually focus on the local races for voices that will support strong action on climate change. Of my Federal reps, I believe Senator Feinstein is the weakest, but still more supportive than not (I think). Senator Boxer and Representative Capps are usually positive voices, so I make sure I support them.

Strong support politically is vital to get movement started, and once started, continued.

By: Richard Pauli

Richard Pauli — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:09:25 +0000

An implied restatement of your title is

“Our future on this planet depends on our political support for President Obama…”