One problem with climate change is understanding what the difference between climate and weather is. Weather is a day to day phenomenon. Climate occurs over decades and centuries. A rise of 2 degrees in average temperature changes an ecosystem greatly. We don't think of our towns and suburbs being part of an ecosystem but they are.
They have studied how people react to bad news such as ecological problems. Most people feel overwhelmed by the problem and a good way to cope is to ignore or deny the problem. Add to that people confuse opinions with facts. Climate change has become political; which is curious in that it should not be.
Gordon Rogers who is the Flint Riverkeeper in Georgia will never talk politics. His point is the health of the Flint River. He brokers deals with everyone. One battle he fought was saved by a tea party constituent who you would not associate with environmental progress. Environmentalist come from every political bend.
For the record, I am not a member of the tea party or advocate it's policies. I do not know Gordon Roger's opinion on climate change or the tea party. Since he is essentially a lobbyist for the protection of the Flint River, I doubt he would have a public opinion. He is negotiating for good water quality of the Flint River.
Like it or not, legislators may have strong opinions which are contradicted by their actions. They may say climate change is not real. Then vote to address the problem of climate change. Or vote on a bill to get someone to vote on their bill. What a legislator wants most is to be re-elected. If the electorate advocates for climate change to be addressed. They will say that is something they think is important. Your opinion makes a bigger difference than you think. However opinion is still not fact. But it is good to base opinion on fact when you can.
It is true that politicians are influenced by their donors. It takes money to run an election campaign.
Donors have different priorities. Your opinion can influence how much that money talks. It is a two edged sword to be elected, donations and voters.
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you are very wise.
ReplyDeleteThank you shortybear. You are very kind.
DeleteConfusing opinions with facts. Say that again please, for the people in the back :D Truth.
ReplyDelete@TarkabarkaHolgy from
The Multicolored Diary
MopDog
It's hard to say it loud enough. The have their fingers in their ears.
DeleteI think I might need a Gordon Rogers in my locality. Badly.
ReplyDeleteNilanjana
Madly-in-Verse
He is the son of a Methodist minister which I think has a lot to do with his negotiating skills. Keeping a religious flock organised and happy is a skill in itself.
DeleteI guess politics is the same in all parts of the world! Its for voters to look through what is being said or done!
ReplyDelete@yenforblue from
Spice of Life!
So true. It is just human nature at work.
DeleteIt's interesting to think that Mr Rogers will negotiate deals on both sides. One wouldn't instinctively think it works that way.
ReplyDeleteTrue. But, corporations usually donate to both Republican and Democrats. They give more to the candidate they think will win versus the one they want to win.
DeleteWe can't ignore climate change forever, but it is easy to feel overwhelmed by such a huge problem.
ReplyDeleteTrue. I think the success of the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act means there is hope if public policy will act.
DeleteNice post...carbon footprint is neglected everywhere and I hope climate change is given more importance world wide
ReplyDeleteIt will. When it starts costing money, the world will react.
DeleteI like your A to Z
ReplyDeleteRhonda from AlbomAdventures.com
One of Alex's ninja minions