Biden interview on energy and the environment

[jillan]

http://www.grist.org/feature/2007/08/29/biden/index.html?source=rss

A good reference for us to have :)

Highlights:

Why do you consider yourself the strongest candidate on energy and the environment? What sets your platform on these issues apart from the rest?


I would be most capable of getting this country back into an international climate regime, getting us back to the table the fastest and with the most prospect for success, because of my extensive engagement in foreign policy. I'm also in the best position to make it clear to the United States Congress that this is not merely an environmental issue, it is a security issue. I held hearings this year pointing out that if we do not do something of consequence about global warming, drastically and soon, we literally are going to find ourselves reconfiguring our entire military to deal with occasions for new wars, which are going to be about territory and arable land. You see what's happening in Darfur now -- that's part of the problem.

You've said that your first priority is "energy security." Can you clarify what this goal means and how you'd achieve it?


If the predictions of the scientists are correct, you could see ocean levels rise three feet. If that occurs, you're going to displace over 35 million people just in South Asia, and they're going to physically be looking for a new place to land. Just that, all by itself, is going to initiate major new conflicts relating to war. You're going to have nations fighting over arable land, more border disputes, and, as a consequence, a great deal of instability.

[PatSeg]

1. He really does see the big picture

on almost every issue.

God, why would anyone want this job???

[murbley40]

2. Thank God we have people like Senator Biden who do want the job.

[jillan]

3. kick

[gateley]

4. He's the only one mentioning the rising ocean levels, rather than solely focusing

on the hot topic of gas/oil consumption. Which means, to me, he may be the only one who sincerely believes that we're in trouble. Also, he's the only one (to my knowledge) who is promoting lithium-ion battery research.

Whenever any of these others talk about upping gas mileage or more hybrids, I'm screaming -- lithium ion batteries! There's already at least manufacturer who is getting ready to put some of these battery powered vehicles on the road. We need to get past the hybrid/bio-fuel 'solution'. I'm not sure lithium ion batteries are the perfect solution, but it's way better than the other alternatives being bandied about.

Joe's obviously really done his homework. The others????

[jillan]

5. Another point for Biden.

Biden also talks about how global warming would effect national security, because all of those
people would be displaced. The SFRC had actual hearing on this - thanks to J Kerry. But right now Biden is the messenger.

[PatSeg]

6. He amazes me

He seems to have an answer for any question that comes his way - good answers at that! There is rarely a hesitation either, as if all the answers are just sitting there in the front of his mind ready to be plucked. Remarkable.