Tell CNN: Challenge the Candidates on Climate Change

10.15.2011

Tell CNN: Challenge the Candidates on Climate Change

Rick Perry claims the science isn't settled on climate change.¹ Michele Bachmann calls climate science "manufactured science."² Herman Cain doesn't believe in global warming either³ and Mitt Romney isn't sure whether or not human-caused climate change is occurring (but he opposes restrictions on carbon pollution regardless).⁴

And yet, the media isn't challenging the candidates on their outrageous, anti-science statements

Don't let the Republican presidential candidates off the hook. Tell CNN: Challenge the candidates on their anti-science, anti-environment views on climate change.

Republican Presidential Debate: Tues., Oct. 18th

Don't Let the Candidates Off the Hook. Tell CNN: Challenge the Candidates on Their Anti-Science Views.

Scotts, why isn't the news media holding the presidential candidates accountable on climate change?

Rick Perry claims the science isn't settled on climate change.¹ Michele Bachmann calls climate science "manufactured science."² Herman Cain doesn't believe in global warming either³ and Mitt Romney isn't sure whether or not human-caused climate change is occurring (but he opposes restrictions on carbon pollution regardless).⁴

And yet, the media isn't challenging the candidates on their outrageous, anti-science statements. In fact, during the CNN/Tea Party debate in September, environmental issues got more airtime during the commercial breaks – with paid advertising from Big Oil and Dirty Coal – than during the debate itself.

CNN is hosting another debate this Tuesday, October 18th, so now is the chance to make our voices heard.

The climate crisis is real and we can't afford to let the candidates off the hook. Tell CNN to challenge the Republican presidential candidates on their views about global warming.

The American people support taking action to address the climate crisis. A recent voter survey that LCV released found that 71% of Americans – including 55% of Republicans – support EPA efforts to reduce global warming pollution.⁵

That's not surprising when you consider that we're already feeling the impacts of climate change. For example, this year has seen record flooding in the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and wildfires raging across Texas, Arizona and throughout the West. Additionally, all 50 states set record high temperatures this past July.⁶

We know that we must take action to combat climate change. There is overwhelming scientific evidence showing that human activities are contributing to climate change. And yet, many of the Republican presidential candidates don't even believe in climate change.

The news media needs to challenge the candidates on their anti-science, anti-environment positions. Tell CNN to hold the Republican presidential candidates accountable at their October 18th debate.

Thank you for standing up and speaking out.

Sincerely,

Mike Palamuso
Vice President, Communications
League of Conservation Voters

¹ http://www.lcv.org/media/press-releases/LCV-FACT-CHECK-Perry-Goes-Against-97-of-Scientists-Challenges-Settled-Climate-Science.html
² http://thinkprogress.org/green/2011/08/17/297902/michele-bachmann-man-made-climate-change-is-manufactured-science/
³ http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/06/09/politics/main20070306_page2.shtml
⁴ http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/08/mitt-romney-backs-away-from-climate-change.php
⁵ http://www.lcv.org/media/press-releases/DEBATE-NIGHT-New-Poll-Shows-Strong-EPA-Support-FOX-News-Viewers-Split-on-EPA-Action.html
⁶ http://thinkprogress.org/green/2011/07/25/277576/all-states-high-temperatures-july/

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