Barack Obama For President In 2008

Environmental issues (more specifically, climate change) have a real presence in the upcoming presidential election. According to a survey conducted by the Sacred Heart University Polling Institute, 93.1% of respondents said they would be more likely to support a candidate whose platform includes a plan to improve the environment. But where do each of the candidates stand? Because, let's face it...some will be champions for the environment. And others will not be.

Barack Obama (D) 

Summary: Believes the US must lead global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Supports an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 and an increase in car fuel economy to 40 mpg.

The Candidate Says: "Strengthened institutions and invigorated alliances and partnerships are especially crucial if we are to defeat the epochal, man-made threat to the planet: climate change....Warmer temperatures and declining rainfall will reduce crop yields, increasing conflict, famine, disease, and poverty. By 2050, famine could displace more than 250 million people worldwide. That means increased instability in some of the most volatile parts of the world. As the world's largest producer of greenhouse gases, America has the responsibility to lead. While many of our industrial partners are working hard to reduce their emissions, we are increasing ours at a steady clip -- by more than ten percent per decade. As president, I intend to enact a cap-and-trade system that will dramatically reduce our carbon emissions. And I will work to finally free America of its dependence on foreign oil -- by using energy more efficiently in our cars, factories, and homes, relying more on renewable sources of electricity, and harnessing the potential of biofuels." ("Renewing American Leadership" in Foreign Affairs, July/August 2007)

If Elected, The Candidate Would...:

• Implement a cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050
• Would require all transportation fuels in the United States to contain 5 percent less carbon by 2015 and 10 percent less carbon by 2020
• Invest in a clean energy economy to reduce emissions and create jobs at home
• Establish targets for annual fuel economy increases with some flexibility for industry to meet targets
• Give automakers health care assistance in exchange for their investing 50 percent of the savings into technology to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles

In The Past:

• Co-sponsored the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2007, which would require the US to reduce its emissions by 2050 to 80% below 1990 levels
• Co-sponsored the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007, which would cut carbon emissions by 30% from 2000 to 2050

Current Status:

• Won Iowa caucus with 38% (Edwards took 30%, Clinton took 29%)
• Came in second in New Hampshire primary with 37% (Clinton won with 39%, Edwards came in third with 17%)
• Won 10 straight primaries/caucuses in a row
• Endorsed by Chris Dodd (former 2008 presidential candidate)
• As of May 14, 2008, has 1,885 delegates (286 superdelegates)
• Endorsed by Bill Richardson (former 2008 presidential candidate)
• Endorsed by John Edwards (former 2008 presidential candidate)
• Needs just 140 more delegates to win the nomination, and is set to declare victory on May 20th.

Multimedia:

Analysis:

• Read an environmental analysis of Obama's energy plan on Grist.org

Other 2008 Presidential Candidates:

Democrats

• Joe Biden
• Hillary Clinton
• Christopher Dodd
• John Edwards
• Mike Gravel
• Dennis Kucinich
  
• Bill Richardson

Republicans:

• Rudy Giuliani
• Mike Huckabee
• Duncan Hunter
• John McCain
• Ron Paul
• Mitt Romney
• Tom Tancredo
• Fred Thompson