A coalition of scientists, bloggers, and politicians (including NJ Rep. Rush Holt and MD Rep. Wayne Gilchrest) is calling for a presidential science debate for the 2008 election. Candidates' approaches to several policy areas - e.g., health care, the environment, energy policy, and education - are shaped by their attitudes towards scientific research and technology. Among other subjects, the proposed debate would cover some issues that should be of interest to birders:
The EnvironmentIf such a debate happens, it will be most useful if the questions are asked by people who know something about these subjects. Having a panel composed of science journalists and not TV talking heads would be a good start. That way, maybe we can avoid some of the misleading questions, kindergarten exercises, inane commentary, and undisclosed conflicts of interest that pervade corporate media coverage of the campaign.
- Climate Change
- Conservation and Species Loss
- The Future of The Oceans
- Fresh Water: Drought, Pollution, Ownership
- Population Growth and Its Effect on Environment
- Renewable Energy Research
The debate is probably a long shot, so the organizers are asking the public to get involved.