As Congress considers the "American Clean Energy and Security Act" this week (the house has narrowly passed their version 219-212 as of this writing), you would think that by now there would be a clear and general consensus on the issue in the USA - its challenges, implications for our future well-being (survival?) and focused actions. And by now, you would think that Climate Change (or Global Warming if you prefer) would be top of mind in this country.
Well, at least from what I see, there is no consensus, and the issue ranks dead last in the minds of voters. That’s what happens when an issue has not been made personal and timely. When I talk to friends about climate change (global warming or any other name you choose), the conversation usually comes around to “How will it affect me”? For those who are still on the fence about it, the question is always preceded by “If it is real…” And when I ask them (on either side of the issue) how they think it will affect them, they simply can’t describe that future for themselves, and don’t even try for their children or grandchildren. So I have been thinking about some things: I suddenly realized last week that three things are clouding the ability of people to come to grips with the issue:
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