Barack Obama

But in the late 1950s, the National Weather Service began measuring the levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, with the worry that rising levels might someday disrupt the fragile balance that makes our planet so hospitable.  And what they’ve found, year after year, is that the levels of carbon pollution in our atmosphere have increased dramatically. That science, accumulated and reviewed over decades, tells us that our planet is changing in ways that will have profound impacts on all of humankind. - President Barack Obama, 6/25/13 President Obama gave a speech on Climate Change yesterday at Georgetown University. Here's the full transcript on the Wall Street Journal. Guest blogger Russell Zerbo of the Clean Air Council shares his remarks on the speech and the impact on our nation.

I'm know you're sick of ads and presidential candidates accusing each other of lying, voting against your cause and wearing the wrong type of underpants. But the environment's ongoing climate change needs you to vote tomorrow. The way we've consumed products has changed drastically in the past 60-70 years from a nation who has (unknowingly) conserved and valued resources to a disposable society. In some ways we've advanced in amazing ways, yet in other ways we're struggling. I know that convenience is awesome. But why are Americans spending money to purchase tap water from Fiji, France and "Deer Park" when we're one of the fortunate nations to have an unlimited supply of clean water straight from their tap? Ever think about how corporations buy their way into the government by lobbyists, convincing us we're doing the right thing? So what the F does that have to do with the presidential election tomorrow? And which candidate will better our environment?

The political science geek-in-me secretly loves watching political speeches, debates and campaigns... even the opposing party's negative reactions (I'm looking at you, Sarah Palin). Monday's State of the Union Address brought me joy similar to the sounds of "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz (and if you're subjected to hang out with me on weekends, you'd hear it on repeat.) Like Red Green & Blue mentioned, while President Obama didn't let the environment go AWOL, it wasn't the focus. I'll break down his ups & downs of environmental mentions in Monday's State of the Union Address for those who need Cliff Notes (but are no longer in High School):

Looking for a spook on this Friday the 13th? I've found the scariest of them all. The Eleventh Hour, narrated by Leonard DiCaprio, gives a gripping view on the current climate crisis, packed with expert opinions ranging from Stephan Hawking to NASA, NRDC, James Woolsey and many more activists. The film analyzes the evolution of global warming, citing the impact from humans - our population evolving at rapid speeds, consuming massive resources, money driven societies, and culture. If we keep going at this current rate, we may lose 1/3 - 1/2 species in the world since 50-55,000 species become extinct each year. While many have the brain power to solve this problem, it's been greatly delayed...

Many Americans are gearing up for a trip to DC with the intention or hope to catch president-elect Barack Obama's inauguration. From an environmental perspective, January 20th couldn't come sooner. I was appalled after reading a Rolling Stone article regarding Bush's midnight regulations - the majority of these last minute regs (including the hit on the Endangered Species Act) are atrocities to the environment, leaving many to question how big of a mess Obama will need to clean up.

As you know, Barack Obama was elected as our 44th president yesterday. This is a dramatic change from the past 8 years, as you're well aware. Many environmental groups regarded George W. Bush as one of the worst presidents for the environment, and there have even been allegations that the EPA lowered fines to companies who weren't being eco-friendly. ( When we're thinking of all the enviro-dangers currently, lowering fines should be the last thing on the government's agenda. )

Just a reminder – Get to the Polls on today, Tuesday, November 4th, Philadelphia!  (look here for eco-candidate details)    Find out where you should vote HERE. Posted by Julie

While I won't be repeating the presidential candidate's green policies (read them here), environmental issues were prevalent in last night's debate between Barack Obama & John McCain. Here's some environmental highlights:

Come see Bruce Springsteen perform at Philly's Barack Obama rally this Saturday October 4th. The FREE concert/rally for PA residents takes place at Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 20th and 22nd.