Are Climate Change Politics Shifting?

Climate Change and the Political Landscape; How conservative lawmakers can start addressing the risks without losing their seats

Steve Pierson and Leonard Smith, March 6, 2018 (Scientific American)

“…[T]here remains a large disconnect between the scientific community’s view of anthropogenic climate change and that publicly held by many lawmakers. A fundamental challenge faced by some Republicans is that they cannot get too far ahead of their constituents on this issue…[But lawmakers can without risking their seat by better understanding] the science of climate change and how their districts or states may be affected…[including the] potential costs of the impacts…[and] the costs to mitigate future impacts. Given the potential consequences of climate change for agriculture, tourism, national security, fishing, insurability, extreme weather events, infrastructure and more, a representative or senator could host community meetings bringing together local stakeholders and scientists to discuss the risks and opportunities…The political ground has shifted significantly…[The Republican-led Climate Solutions Caucus (CSC)] has now reached 68 members, with equal numbers from each party by design…” click here for more

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