Considering the state of the world, we should be thankful the economy and energy have been at the forefront of this election.
But if Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama truly understand these issues, they will commit to attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poland this December, if elected. So far neither has.
Both concede the worldwide markets are volatile. Both cite the benefits of renewable energy and the need to reduce our carbon emissions, but both fear the repercussions of acting unilaterally. It doesn't take a presidential candidate to see the logical conclusion is to cooperate internationally on these issues - and Poland is the premier place to do it.
If they can't see the intrinsic relationship between these issues or the moral obligation that comes with being the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter per capita, then we must let them know.
The youth climate movement is hard at work putting pressure on these candidates. Please let your voice be heard. Go to 350.org and send an invitation to the candidates to get to Poland. There truly is no more important place that they could be. Next, head to powervote.org and join the 266,917 who have pledged that clean energy is a top priority for them in the election.
Both campaigns are calling for change this election. Let's encourage them to work with the rest of the world to achieve it.
John Doyle
