Any Discussions of Climate Plans in the Second Democratic Debate in Detroit?

Source: Politico

A couple of days ago, Politico reported (in brief) on the small amount of discussion surrounding climate change and the environment at the first Democratic Debate in Detroit (Michigan).  Why should anyone care about what is discussed in Detroit (Michigan)? To a first approximation, each American should care about a potential presidential candidate's view on the environment.  Look no further than Houston (Texas) after Hurricane Harvey or Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.  These regions are still experiencing difficulty in repairing the damage done from these storms.



With the increase in the frequency of storms, climate change should be on the back of each American mind.  Of course, yes, there are other more immediate concerns -- jobs, access to healthcare, and taxes to watch before climate change.  Although, the root cause of storms is linked to the changing climate.  Looking back at the second Democratic Debate, what was said regarding climate change plans -- reported by Politico:

DEMS DEBATE CLIMATE AMBITION: It arrived more than an hour and a half into the debate, but Democratic presidential candidates fought over how aggressive their plans to address climate change must be. "Climate change is not a single issue. It's every issue," Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said on the stage, directing his fire at former Vice President Joe Biden. "These deadlines are set by science," he told Biden. "Unfortunately, your plan is just too late."

Biden pushed back that his plan called for "immediate action" and, pressed by moderators, vowed coal and fracking would receive no subsidies in his administration after officials "work it out." But that prompted Inslee to shoot back: "We cannot work this out. Our house is on fire."

Sen. Cory Booker (N.J.) laid out a new benchmark for candidates. "Nobody should get applause for rejoining the Paris climate accord. That's kindergarten," he said. "The only way we're going to deal with this is if the U.S. leads."

Aside from the threat posed by climate change, the investment opportunity presents a real opportunity.  Recently, a report showed the investment group Blackwater has lost around $90 billion in investment opportunities.  Instead of investing in renewable energy, Blackwater has invested in large oil companies which have not paid off as dearly as they had hoped.  This can affect the job market along with other aspects of the economy.



As the frequency of storms increases over time, potential residents and investors have to change their perspective when looking to live (and invest) in a city.  If the city chooses to ignore the need to invest in flood infrastructure, the city could be potentially downgraded on the creditworthiness.  Meaning, when a storm hits, creditors ask: How does the city plan to repay the debt? Especially, before the next storm hits (and the next after)?  These are questions which are starting to emerge on investors minds.

Good Questions

Right before the last presidential election in 2016, I posted the questions from an organization called 'Science Debate.'  The mission is to elevate science in every aspect of society from policy making to voter awareness.  For the 2018 midterm elections, the following questions were posted on the website.  These questions are valid for today's candidates and should be entertained by each of us while watching any political debate:

2018 Q&A for House, Senate and Gubernatorial Candidates

Candidates: Please send responses to answers@sciencedebate.org in a word document with your name, state and seat you are running for in the subject line.

INNOVATION. Science and technology have been responsible for half the growth of the U.S. economy since World War II. What role, if any, should government play in stimulating innovative science and technology so we continue to benefit from them?

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY. What are your views on climate change and how would they affect your energy policies if at all?

CYBER SECURITY. What will you do to protect America from cyber attacks while also protecting personal privacy?

MENTAL HEALTH. PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, depression, anxiety, drug addiction, and suicide affect millions of Americans with cost of care and lost productivity greater than $400 billion a year. What mental health policies will you support if you are elected?

EDUCATION. In an age dominated by complex science and technology, how can we ensure that students receive adequate STEM education?

WATER. The long-term security of water supplies is threatened by aging infrastructure, pollution, climate variability and a growing population. What should government do to ensure access to clean water?

FOOD. How would you manage American agriculture so it provides healthy and affordable food grown in a just and sustainable way?

SPACE. What should America’s goals be for space exploration and earth observation and what steps would you take to achieve them?

OCEANS. Large areas of our oceans are polluted, acidification is damaging coral reefs and other habitats, and overfishing could wipe out certain species and diminish this vital source of food. What will you do to improve ocean health?

SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY. Politicians are disputing settled science and firing government scientists for political reasons. How will you foster a culture that respects scientific evidence and protects scientists?

Share any science policy issues involving medicine, national security, environment, education, the economy or other pressing issues that impact your state/district that you would like to expand on

The questions above serve as good food for thought regarding a wide range of issues which are related to science.  Typically, science in politics is predominantly linked to hot topic issues like climate change, or the environment.  Although, the range is much wider than expected.  There are more issues linked to the elevation of science in society than previously thought.



The list of questions above could potentially change for the 2020 presidential candidates.  If that turns out to be the case, check back on this site for updated questions from Science Debate.  Until then, read over the questions above and think critically about which candidate offers the best solution to any, if all of the questions.  Science should play a larger role in policymaking.  Especially, since science directly or indirectly impacts every aspect of our lives on a daily basis.



Have a great weekend!



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