Laurel Whitney's blog

There's a question I often pose to my undergrad students after discussing the many implications of climate change:

"Do you think we'll be able to change before it's too late, or do you think it's going to take some kind of natural disaster to get us moving?"

Unsurprisingly, most students choose the latter, although melancholically. It's not that they want it to be the case, but with all the data and warnings from scientists, up against the misinformation spewing from powerful fossil fuel corporations, they logically don't see it happening any other way.

It's the sad truth considering we're on the verge of a major presidential election and not once has either candidate discussed climate change or its potential threat to our country in the debates.

And while environmentalists and climate hawks rightfully shamed the candidates for not addressing the issue, apparently Mother Nature wasn't going to let "climate silence" continue. Hurricane Sandy slammed into the coast bringing the east coast to its knees.

That gush of wind some New York residents felt earlier this week presumably came from thousands of simultaneous "finger sparkles" as anti-fracking activists rejoiced while industry executives collectively grunted and ha-rumphed upon hearing the decision of Governor Andrew Cuomo to press the reset button on fracking approvals for the state. As impacts will be reanalyzed, this time to include more study into the potential consequences to public health, the reevaluation period is likely to push back a steadfast approval or ban at least a year or two.

The postponement obviously rattles industry members and a few landowners who want to start exploiting local fuel sources. But even some anti-fracking organizers aren't pleased, calling it "a reprise" when they'd rather see a full ban on the practice in the state.

But what do the state's farmers say?