Climate Change Deniers in the House of Representat

[aurora]

I know it's almost closing time in the East on a Friday so not sure if anybody is still reading, but I'm glad to see a pro-environmental group taking action within the science-hating Congress.


news.yahoo.com/climate-change-deniers-house-representatives-targeted-defeat-214846271.html

The current House of Representatives has been called one of the most environmentally hostile in history. Part of the problem, according to leading environmental groups is that many members simply refuse to admit, for personal or political reasons, that humans are causing climate change.

To try and shake things up this after the elections, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) a nonprofit environmental advocacy group is pouring $1.5 million into a campaign to defeat five of the most outspoken climate deniers currently in the House.

The campaign, called "Defeat the Flat Earth Five" will focus on running TV, mail and phone initiatives to spread the message that the members are ignoring science and out of touch with what most Americans believe.

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"The Flat Earth Five is our first program ever to go after members of Congress specifically because they are climate deniers," said Jeff Gohringer, LCV's National Press Secretary. "We are focusing on races in swing districts where we know our money can make a difference."

First to receive the dubious honor of induction into the Flat Earth Five: GOP Reps. Ann Marie Buerkle of New York and and Dan Benishek of Michigan.

Buerkle has said that "the jury is still out on climate change" while Benishek has referred to it as "unproven science."

"These members are representative of the all-too-common mindset of climate denial in the House," Gohringer said. "It was actually quite difficult to narrow it down to just five — this is the worst House of Representatives ever when it comes to environmental issues."

The other three members to be targeted by the campaign will be revealed in upcoming weeks.

Gohringer said that calling the members the "Flat Earth Five" was emblematic of their point of view and their denial of science.

"At a time when Americans are seeing the effects of climate change right outside their window — whether it's drought, extreme temperatures or wildfires — these members of Congress are stubbornly ignoring science," said Gohringer said. "We can't expect them to fix a problem they can't or won't admit exists."

Neither Rep. Buerkle's nor Rep. Benishek's campaign returned calls for comment.

Gohringer categorized the response received by LCV as evasive

"They won't directly address the issue at hand — their denial of climate change. I think it's because they understand it puts them at odds with their constituents, scientists and even the Pentagon, which has called climate change a national security threat. "

So far, LCV has spent more than $2 million this election cycle on House and Senate races.

[pixy0stix]

::throws biodegradable confetti::

[ChillyMcFreeze]

Even if it isn't absolutely proven that humans cause climate change, I just can't see the rationale for not TRYING to stop pumping so much pollution in the air, reducing energy consumption, reducing waste, etc. The fact that "it might force businesses to be more responsible and that's not fair" is not a compelling argument for me. This is an issue I will never see the other side of.

[aurora]

Jul 27, 2012 16:21:09 GMT -5 ChillyMcFreeze said:

Even if it isn't absolutely proven that humans cause climate change, I just can't see the rationale for not TRYING to stop pumping so much pollution in the air, reducing energy consumption, reducing waste, etc. The fact that "it might force businesses to be more responsible and that's not fair" is not a compelling argument for me. This is an issue I will never see the other side of.

I fully agree. There are so many other benefits to reducing pollution and conserving energy that I am just floored that anybody who isn't actively paid out of the industry wouldn't see the benefits.

Although, I would say that 98% agreement among climate scientists is pretty compelling as far as proof goes.

[sam20]

This is great. I know way too many people who are quick to deny climate change or that it's caused by humans.

[lys]

Climate change has been with us since the earth was created.
Humans contribute to, not cause climate change.

[Deleted]

Jul 27, 2012 16:21:09 GMT -5 ChillyMcFreeze said:

Even if it isn't absolutely proven that humans cause climate change, I just can't see the rationale for not TRYING to stop pumping so much pollution in the air, reducing energy consumption, reducing waste, etc. The fact that "it might force businesses to be more responsible and that's not fair" is not a compelling argument for me. This is an issue I will never see the other side of.

This is where I sit. We are ruining the earth and it would be nice not to.

[Deleted]

Jul 28, 2012 8:17:34 GMT -5 lys said:

Climate change has been with us since the earth was created.
Humans contribute to, not cause climate change.

Spoken like a true idiot.

[Knight]

Jul 28, 2012 8:17:34 GMT -5 lys said:

Climate change has been with us since the earth was created.
Humans contribute to, not cause climate change.

[aurora]

Jul 28, 2012 8:17:34 GMT -5 lys said:

Climate change has been with us since the earth was created.
Humans contribute to, not cause climate change.

There are certainly other factors beyond humans that influence the climate - nobody is denying that.

Our contributions, however, can be tied to specific and damaging changes that will likely have significant impacts on our health, economy, lives, for decades to come, so I'm not sure of your point.