Kids, Candidates: Everyones Talking About Fossil Fuel
The issue of climate change rarely fades from our news cycle, but in recent weeks, the stories have involved a diverse cast of characters.
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) intervened in a lawsuit filed by 21 kids and teens suing to protect the planet. Democratic presidential hopeful and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) declared “to hell with the fossil fuel industry.” And President Obama went to Paris to meet with other world leaders to negotiate the first-ever global agreement on climate change.
First, the lawsuit. Our Children’s Trust represents 21 plaintiffs who range in age from 8 to 19. They filed suit against the federal government demanding greater care of the environment, Slate magazine reported.
NAM has intervened with the American Petroleum Institute and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers.
The children and teens are seeking to force reductions in carbon emissions. One of the plaintiffs, 17-year-old Sophie Kivlehan, is the granddaughter of James Hansen, a renowned NASA scientist, who contributed testimony to the case, the magazine said.
NAM and the other groups argue the kids don't have standing, or a legal cause of action.
Last month, a judge in North Carolina rejected a 13-year-old’s climate change lawsuit.
Meanwhile, on Nov. 21, Sanders made headlines with a speech that described Republicans as “a party that rejects science and refuses to understand that climate change is real,” The Hill reported.
In his talk at the annual Blue Jamboree in North Charleston, S.C., he said: “I understand if you stand up to the Koch brothers and the fossil fuel industry, that you’ll lose your campaign contributions …
“To hell with the fossil fuel industry. Worry more about your children and your grandchildren than your campaign contributions.”
In Paris, heads of state and government convened Monday from some 150 countries to reach a global agreement on limiting emissions.
Obama kicked off the climate talks by meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday morning, the Wall Street Journal reported.
“As the two largest economies in the world and the two largest carbon-emitters, we have both determined that it is our responsibility to take action.”
Leaders hope to reach a deal by mid-December. S