We are in sore need, these days, of Republican leadership on climate change. So Mitt Romney’s recent comments were right on:
“I’m one of those Republicans who thinks we are getting warmer and that we contribute to that,” he said, charging that federal leaders have failed to enact global agreements needed to tackle the problem.
A recent vote in Washington got us a count of where Senators stand on climate change. Nearly all agreed that climate change is happening. But when asked the key question — whether human activity contributed significantly to climate change now–the drop-off in science intelligence was frightening.
Only five Republican Senators are ready to face reality and get to work on solutions: Senators Alexander, Ayotte, Collins, Graham, and Kirk.
Why does this matter?
Because it means HOPE. If we caused the problem, we can solve the problem.
Yes, the climate has been changing for millions of years. Our planet has endured deep freezes, when earth was covered with ice—and super heat, when it was covered with water. We know this only because of scientific research.
Humans were not around during the past big climate shifts — because humans cannot survive climate extremes.
Human civilization has thrived for the last 10,000 years or so because we have enjoyed a stable climate. We cannot compromise our world.
We cannot ignore human contribution to climate change now — and that’s why Mr. Romney’s recent comments are so deeply important. Perhaps his leadership will open up space for more Republicans to roll up their sleeves and create policies Republicans can rally around to cut the carbon and methane pollution that is so radically altering our world. Or, miracle of miracles, they will see that the President’s proposals make good sense for all parties concerned.