Question Fourteen: Whitfield (R-KY). If we only have a limited time, how do we address this problem?
Answer Fourteen: I've avoided setting timelines. But a year ago, the scientists I most respect concluded that if we don't act within 10 years, our ability to address the problem will be lost to us. If we lose the arctic ice cap completely--and we're losing it rapidly--the blue ocean underneath will become the biggest heat sink on the planet. Then, if in a hot world without an ice cap, Greenland "melts" and sea levels rise six or seven meters, we're all, um, screwed.
Man... I'm tired.
Update: He did pretty well. I'm not under any illusions. I know that even a serene and captivating performance by the worlds finest orator/climate expert wouldn't make a huge or immediate difference. But the Democrats' strategy for this congress is to peck and peck and peck away at these big issues with votes and testimony and celebrity figures like Gore until the doubters and obstructionists cede ground or look foolish. I'm not ready to discount that strategy yet.
Gore was at times rambling, at times a prisoner to the word "consensus", seldom irritated, but never flummoxed, and ultimately he found an poised and statesmanlike stride.
Comments