https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/its-time-to-look-at-the-political-science-behind-climate-change/2018/12/10/f1787070-fc96-11e8-862a-b6a6f3ce8199_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.3b56fce2d582
Climate Change has become an increasingly prominent issue in the world. Temperatures are fluctuating beyond control and destroying habitats, ecosystems, and altering numerous environments. While many people acknowledge the issue, there haven't been significant enough strides to attempt to change the course of the future.
While it may seem like a sole environmental issue, politics are necessary to alter climate change. Politicians are hesitant to make any drastic legislation due to constituent views and the potentially high costs. There have been some attempts in legislation, but not many have been passed. Arizona's effort to require a minimum of energy to come from renewable sources was vastly voted against even though the majority of voters were Democrats, a political party that has accepted climate change. In California, there was a measure passed a 12 cent-per-gallon tax. However, it was presented as a way to benefit the highways, not the environment.
Another main reason why there hasn't been action against climate change is the rhetoric by the president and others that it isn't a real issue. Many have the misconception that it isn't as bad as it really is, but in reality, at the rate we are going with pollution and energy expenditure our planet is in grave danger. In order to not have to deal with it now, the administration has taken the denial route and it will have serious implications in the future.
Why are politicians hesitant to create any legislation to solve this huge problem?
How long until there is large political action for climate change? Are politicians being influenced more from personal views or their constituents?
Are people being influenced by their President explicitly stated that Climate Change isn't real? Is this a big reason for people being against any legislation or is it from other factors?
Why are politicians hesitant to create any legislation to solve this huge problem?
ReplyDeletePoliticians are hesitant to change any legislation due to constituent's views. Due to the importance of pleasing their constituents, politicians don't want to make any major changes. May constituents may oppose climate change and the second that a politician alters any legislation, they may lose their vote in the next election.
How long until there is large political action for climate change? Are politicians being influenced more from personal views or their constituents?
Once climate change is bad enough, there will be political action. While is is terribly bad right now, some politicians are in denial and don't believe it is a real problem. Once our lives and earth see significant threat to our daily lives, we will see a change. Politicians are way more influenced by their constituent's views than their own because constituent's approval means winning in the next election, the main focus for the majority of politicians.
Are people being influenced by their President explicitly stated that Climate Change isn't real? Is this a big reason for people being against any legislation or is it from other factors?
People are influenced by the president making large assumptions about climate change's reality. The president is a trusted person in this country and if he makes a claim about something, the likelihood of his followers agreeing is very likely. This is a large reason for people being against legislation but there is also another major reason: resistance to change. People are very against change if it doesn't personally benefit them. While climate change does personally affect each and every person, many people don't agree with this. There is also a large misconception that climate change isn't real or isn't as bad as it really is, making people against legislation.
-Tovia Sobel
Why are politicians hesitant to create any legislation to solve this huge problem?
ReplyDeleteI believe that politicians are hesitant to create such legislation because such legislation necessitates long term solutions and work. Its a lot harder to push forward legislation that does not immediately benefit a politician's constituents. Furthermore, the industries that such legislation would need to harm are incredibly entrenched and benefit many. As a result of these factors, and more, climate change is very difficult to push legislation for.
How long until there is large political action for climate change? Are politicians being influenced more from personal views or their constituents?
I think it wont be until the effects are so severe that their noticeable or until most deniers die, that politicians will push for solutions to climate change. I feel that politicians are far more influenced by their constituents, because climate change denial allows for constituents to live more comfortably.
Are people being influenced by their President explicitly stated that Climate Change isn't real? Is this a big reason for people being against any legislation or is it from other factors?
I think the president normalizes climate denial, or the belief that it isnt a big deal. I believe that the primary reason people are against legislation is because such legislation provides a long term solution with immediate consequences or inconveniences.
Why are politicians hesitant to create any legislation to solve this huge problem?
ReplyDeletePoliticians are hesitant to create any legislation to this huge problem because they know the Republican party and especially Trump will not allow this law to legislation to pass. Trump has previously expressed great concern over climate change because he just does not believe it will happen. Therefore, it is useless to create such legislation for climate change.
How long until there is large political action for climate change? Are politicians being influenced more from personal views or their constituents?
Until there is actual a large noticeable change that people can see or feel, politicians will never create legislation for climate change. Which is really bad because by that time, it will be too late for legislation to protect against climate change. Therefore, the effects of the legislation will not really have a good impact to protect our future.
Are people being influenced by their President explicitly stated that Climate Change isn't real? Is this a big reason for people being against any legislation or is it from other factors?
I think people are being influenced by Trump against climate change. There are many people very loyal to him and will believe anything he says even if there is no evidence. Therefore, people will believe that climate change also is not real and will therefore, will not help get legislation passed.
Politicians are hesitant to create any legislation to solve this huge problem because they are worried about how any changes may impact their constituents. Even if they understand the consequences of climate change, they may be concerned about the short-term economic effects of climate change proposals, which could make constituents upset and vote for a different representative.
ReplyDeleteI think political action will happen in very small steps over a long period of time, as so much infrastructure relies on the use of old, non-renewable energy sources, and because companies impacted by any political action will lobby harshly against it. I think politician are being influenced more from the views of their constituents and lobbyists.
I think that most people will not be influenced by President Trump explicitly stating that Climate Change isn't real, as in such a polarizes time, most people had already decided whether or not they believed in climate change before 2016. However, I do think that political party and ideology has an impact on whether people believe in climate change, as they probably watch certain channels or listen to certain radio stations that affirm their views.
1. politicians are hesitant because there has not been much success with beneficial climate change reform in politics and does not seem like a something a politician would want to focus their efforts on if it will not help them get reelected or pass in Congress.
ReplyDelete2. I do not think there will be large action to fight against climate change until the earth is close to hitting rock bottom and we see climate change making a drastic effect on Americans. People also need to believe this is a real problem and put the future of the earth before their own interests. Politicians are swayed more by their constituents who can help them get reelected.
3. I think overall lack of education and personal interests are to blame for people not believing in climate change. I don't think the president stating that climate change is not real is to blame for people not believing but it can reinforce these thoughts. I think it is one of the reasons why we do not have legislation. The people can sway legislation and if this is not what the large majority are interested in pursuing, legislation will not happen.
1.Politicians tend to be hesitant when it comes to solving climate change because some people do not believe that it is real and they are misinformed about the issue making it unpopular to pass legislation because it will effect people's chances of getting reelected. It is also unpopular with many big companies that cause pollution.
ReplyDelete2.I do not think that there will be large political action until the Earth has serious damage. There needs to be noticeable effects that will get the legislatures attention and the publics attention. I think that the constituents have more of an effect on politicians' opinions on legislation because they want to be reelected.
3.I think that people believe what the president says is true because they are not educated. They are also not educated on the topic of climate and change and what it actually is and the potential effects it has on the earth. I think that is why legislation for the issue is not popular.
1. Legislators are reluctant to enact real change with climate change legislation because of their fear of becoming unpopular with constituents. Congress members have a short term of only 2 years, and if they make their goals related to climate change (an unpopular opinion) they are knowingly giving up their seat. Additionally, enacting the long term solutions necessary for preventing climate change is a lot of work and compromise that Congress members are unlikely to undertake.
ReplyDelete2. I think significant political action will only be taken once everyone is affected by it. Although some weather events have become more frequent such as large Hurricanes in the south and other dangerous systems, citizens who don't live in these affected areas are still likely to deny climate change's existence. Sadly, once a majority starts to believe in the dangers of climate change it will be too late to enact real change to prevent it effects.
3. I think Trump supporters are definitely influenced by Trumps's statements against climate change. Many people don't want to believe in its dangerous affects or want to put in the work to prevent it, so listening to a leader that denies it exists is an easier option for many people. However, for those who don't support Trump's policies or persona, his statements against climate change might wake people up to realize that Trump may not know whats best for our country or out environment.
1. Politicians are hesitant to create any legislation to solve climate change because they want to get re-elected. They are at the risk of not gaining the support of their constituents, who may not believe in or support the idea of saving the environment or climate change. Passing legislation will probably also conflict with many large companies’ agendas, which may cause further political issues between companies and politicians.
ReplyDelete2. Once climate change becomes too much and too apparent for politicians, political action will be taken to attempt to stop or slow climate change. Politicians are probably more influenced by their constituents’ interests because they want to get re-elected.
3. I think people are being influenced by Trump because as the leader of America, he holds influence of those who are not as educated or informed about climate change. I believe this is not the main reason why people are against climate change legislation. I think that conflicting economic and political issues between companies and politicians is preventing politicians from creating legislation that will help the environment but hurt companies.
1. Politicians are reluctant to pass climate change legislation and spur any real change for fear of the potential backlash from constituents. Many people are greatly misinformed about the harmful realities of climate change, so if a politician were to seriously consider taking steps towards fixing climate change, it could seriously hurt them at the polls.
ReplyDelete2.I believe that political action will be rather slow going because of how ingrained our unsustainable habits are into the American life style. Only once the realities of climate change become so disastrous that they cannot be ignored will politicians possibly try to take action. I believe politicians are being overly influenced by their constituents and lobbyists, which aligns more with the delegate style of representation.
3. I believe that Trump is definitely an influence in how Americans view climate change. Even if you fundamentally disagree with him, the power he exerts as the leader of our country gives him immense influence over many many people. Even if he is factually incorrect, a lie told enough times eventually becomes the truth.
1. I think that politicians are reluctant to pass climate change legislation because it is not legislation that would change anything immediately. It is very long term effects legislation that they may be afraid to commit to. It's only short term effects would be on the current economy not the environment currently.
ReplyDelete2. I think a large political action will take a while because many people are not seeing the effects currently. They think that it will only matter in the future so why do anything now.
3. I think that some people may be influenced by Trump saying climate change is not real because of the power he has. However there are still a large amount of people who believe in climate change despite Trump's views.
Why are politicians hesitant to create any legislation to solve this huge problem?
ReplyDeleteI think politicians are hesitant to create any legislation to solve this problem for the same reason they are hesitant to solve any other problem. They are being pushed left and right from different advocacy groups and large corporations, large corporations have lots of money, advocacy groups have good points, so there is an imbalance in movement between both.
How long until there is large political action for climate change? Are politicians being influenced more from personal views or their constituents?
Who knows if there will even be political action for climate change. Yes there are some actions being taken but they are small tiny steps to what ACTUALLY needs to happen to drastically reduce the rate of climate change.
Are people being influenced by their President explicitly stated that Climate Change isn't real? Is this a big reason for people being against any legislation or is it from other factors?
Obviously climate change is real and it's a problem, it just hasn't directly affected them which until it does they will not think that it is an issue. They are just not educated on the issue and will not know what do when it comes back to bite them in the a**.
1. Politicians are hesitant when it comes to creating legislation to solve climate change as these could cause them to lose future elections. With people that don't believe climate change is real, these laws would seem to be unnecessary and possibly detrimental to other areas. Also as it impacts companies, they would have to go against these companies that these laws would hurt.
ReplyDelete2. Political action for climate change will not come around until it is too late. By the time we have concrete evidence to convince the majority that climate change is real we will most likely be at the point where we can no longer turn back. Due to the need for convincing the majority, we see that the politicians are more influenced by their constituent's interests over their personal views since they want to be re-elected.
3. I believe that Trump is clearly spreading the idea of climate change not being real. Since the president is going around saying this, people are more likely to trust what he says and in this case it is preventing climate change laws from passing. With him going around stating that climate change is not real it makes it difficult for anyone to face climate change without backlash from the people that trust him.
1) The American political system was designed in a manner conducive to gridlock and consequently any legislation that is not necessary to the immediate, short-term well-being of the population is likely to fall to the back of the federal political docket.
ReplyDelete2)A politician who acts based of their own beliefs is known as a trustee while a politician who acts based of the ideas of their constituents is considered a delegate.
3) The president's claim that climate change isn't real is fallacious given that it is founded on short-term weather patterns not the long-term weather patterns which comprise climate.
1. Politicians are hesitant to address the climate change problem because when it comes to actually establishing legislation, the constituents reject the policies. The Republican constituents refuse to acknowledge climate change and the liberal constituents support it in theory but not in practice. Taking into account the short-term effects and the expenses, people generally reject the policies. As a result, the politicians avoid addressing the problem.
ReplyDelete2. There will always be people who believe that climate change is not real, so politicians will continue to ignore the issue. They are more influenced by their constituents, so until the people/media reflect the urgency to address this issue, it will not be covered.
3. As the president, of course Trump's generalizations about climate change influence the public's opinions. The lack of education and unwillingness to actually make changes also cause people to believe climate change is false.
1. Politicians are hesitant to address this problem because it would cost money to fix. The country already has a massive debt, and while climate change is important, politicians would be more likely to focus on things that more directly impact the lives of their voters.
ReplyDelete2. Unfortunately, it could take as long as until climate change gets so bad that it starts to really make life obviously dangerous. Otherwise, there is not enough of a driving force to make the politician, or the constituents, really ask for this change. Politicians are probably influenced more by constituents who are likely stronger advocates for other issues.
3. The president's comments probably have much different effects on people depending on where they live and their political preference. Liberals are likely to hear this and label him insane, and climate change deniers will just use it as proof of what they already believe. Really, his comments will just polarize liberals and conservatives on the issue even more.
1. Politicians are hesitant to address the current climate change problem because of the commitment. In order to solve the problem, politicians have to pass legislation, but this legislation will be extremely long lasting, and some politicians are not willing to stand by it for super long.
ReplyDelete2. With people ignoring climate change, politicians will continue to ignore this huge issue at hand, unless their constituents really start to reflect this issue.
3. Trump's claims about climate change is foolish as there is already a huge amount of evidence that proves him otherwise.
Nicolas Nejadnik
ReplyDelete1.) Climate change is simply not convenient nor profitable. The convenience drives many constituents away from supporting something that threatens their way of life, even in the face of long term turmoil. The profitability aspects results in few lobbyists of major corporations will ever support it. The elimination of fossil fuels would hurt the majority of local economies in the US, and destroy one of its biggest industries. In the end, this creates a situation with few incentives for politicians to care or act in favor of environmental regulations.
2.) Taking into account the two factors listed in my previous response, it is both the personal situation and constituents that affect a politician’s actions. As a result, it will most likely be a long time until any serious action is taken. The rise of controversial political figures such as Donald Trump implies that climate change is not a big issue in the minds of many voters, and that the large numbers of Americans involved in either the oil or coal industries have little desire for more regulations.
3.) Although the President stating that climate change is not man-made probably doesn’t make people agree with him, the fact is many of his supporters believe in that, and in a way it is they that make his mind drift in this direction, as it is a common position among his part members and among the voters who helped elect him. The opposition to climate change legislation largely predates Donald Trump, and the factors that have created this opposition are deeply rooted. Some see climate change as being some sort of Democrat-created issue, which creates natural resentment among Republican voters. Many voters live in states where oil and coal are or were until recently major sectors of the economy, and have a predisposition to favoring views that align themselves with the preservation of these industries.
1. Many politicians receive large donations from oil companies who pressure them to ignore climate change. Any sort of environmentally friendly legislation would hurt these companies and decrease their profit.
ReplyDelete2. Yes what I stated above. I definitely see us taking action against climate change in the near future, and I am surprised we have take any significant action yet.
3. This may encourage his supporters to view climate change as fake, but certainly not the whole country.