Mayor Bloomberg

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.