How important will it be for the next (or current) president to keep America relevant in international climate-change negotiations?
(41 votes)
- Very Important 32%
- Somewhat Important 29%
- Somewhat Unimportant 19.5%
- Very Unimportant 19.5%
Very Important
“It’s BAAAAACK. The trade implications of climate policy are already showing up at our eastern border (air transit), western border (solar dumping case), and northern border (A.B. 32 vs. British Columbia).”
“Whatever policy tool the majority of countries chooses to use—cap-and-trade, carbon tax, low-carbon technology incentives, or others—it will make markets in which [the] U.S. industry will want to participate.”
“Regardless whether the next president believes that climate change is taking place, the rest of the world is prepared to move forward without the U.S. If we are not at the table, American business will be severely disadvantaged.”
“This is still the most important environmental and economic challenge of the generation.”
“Even though there’s not even a sliver of a chance that Congress will take action on mandatory GHG controls any time soon, presumably the EPA will still be moving ahead. It’s therefore important that the U.S. continue to be at the table in these international meetings.”
Somewhat Important
“After the euro collapses, who in the wide world is going to care about climate change?”
“The U.S. needs to play a productive role in international climate change negotiations consistent with its economic leadership, but does not have to be desperate for a deal.”
“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”
Somewhat Unimportant
“It’s all about jobs.”
“This is only going to be a priority if Obama gets reelected or Romney gets elected. The remaining GOP candidates have properly recognized that the only thing the U.S. gets out of agreeing to an international climate negotiation is more restrictions on our energy use and higher energy prices for everyday Americans.”
Very Unimportant
“Multilateral negotiations on climate are going the way of the World’s Fairs. They still hold ’em, but no one knows about it or cares.”
“The entire process has been nothing more than a show for years....”
What will be the most pressing international energy issue that the president will have to tackle in the years to come?
(41 votes)
- Dependence on foreign oil 32%
- Climate Change 10%
- Competing in the clean-energy race 29%
- Other 29%
Dependence on foreign oil
"I think this and the next President will have to answer to the American people about why we are not doing more to make use of our own abundant resources."
"Gas prices still "driving" the energy conversation at the kitchen table. Dependence on foreign oil exacerbates the problem."
"The transition from oil is inevitable and the countries that manage it best win!"
Climate Change
"The impacts of climate change are becoming more apparent each week and threatening not only ecosystems but also human communities and national security. Denying the problem won't make it go away."
Competing in the clean-energy race
"Clean energy and innovation are key pathways to respond to both an energy independence and climate climate. If we want to win the race, we need a pathway like this or we will watch others quickly pass us by."
"Effectively competing in the clean energy race is a triple play --- it reduces dependence on foreign oil, addresses climate change and strengthens our economy by creating jobs and spurring investment at home. But, if we continue to lag behind other countries it is hard to see how we effectively address the other priorities. With a global clean energy sector that is rapidly expanding, it is an opportunity a President of any stripe should recognize and champion."
"The future of U.S. industrial competitiveness does not rely on running 50-70 year old coal plants indefinitely, it turns on whether the U.S. develops and deploys the next generation of energy technology."
Other
"The most pressing energy issue facing the president will be stopping attempts to throttle our domestic (and Canadian) fossil-fuel industries."
"Competing with the growing global demand for reliable energy (coal, oil, natural gas) from emerging nations like China and India."
"Assuring access to a secure energy supply at a reasonable price as worldwide demand for resources expands dramatically."
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