Addressing a largely student audience at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., the Republican governor said he was optimistic attitudes to the environment were changing, but campaigners on climate change still need to shake their image as "tree-huggers" and "fanatics."
"Successful movements aren't built on guilt, they are built on passion," he said.
He believes the environmental movement is approaching a "tipping point" where it will enter the mainstream, galvanizing business and individuals. Many see California as leader in tackling climate change in the US. The state - the sixth largest economy in the world - signed a law last year to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020.
And while Schwarzenegger cannot stand for president in 2008 because he is not US-born, he has said he wants his views on climate change to play into the race.
Check out our friends over at Ecorazzi for all that is hip and sexy about being green.
Democracy is utterly dependent upon an electorate that is accurately informed. In promoting climate change denial (and often denying their responsibility for doing so) industry has done more than endanger the environment. It has undermined democracy.
There is a vast difference between putting forth a point of view, honestly held, and intentionally sowing the seeds of confusion. Free speech does not include the right to deceive. Deception is not a point of view. And the right to disagree does not include a right to intentionally subvert the public awareness.
This post is the second of a two part series. Read the first installment, Unreported Emissions From Natural Gas Blow Up BC's Climate Action Plan.
Methane leaks from British Columbia's natural gas industry are likely at least 7 times greater than official numbers increasing the entire provinces' carbon footprint by nearly 25%. That's like putting 3 million more vehicles on BC's roads.
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Wake up and smell the sexy
You may be right though, for
You may be right though, for government and people environmetal issues have always been popular when times are good and rather ignored when people on short on jobs or when the government is facing a recession in the economy.
Lets hope it it has a bit more staying power.