Environment

Link: Fewer Americans Worry About Climate Change: Poll

Summary: The American population is less worried about global warming than they have been since 1998. About 51% of the population was greatly concerned in 1998. In 2008 after Al Gore won the Noble Peace Prize for his efforts, around 67% were greatly concerned with global warming. Gallup, who conducted the poll believes things like the economy and global affairs take precedent to global warming.

Relevance: The American government has it's part to play to keeping global warming and the environment in check. To do this, they enlist the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which serves to protect human health and the environment by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by congress. Examples of these could be the emission levels of cars and factories, the dumping of toxic waste, and the cleaning of environmental damage. This agency is funded by discretionary spending in the federal budget, and we spent lots of time talking about different agencies.

Opinion: Global warming is still an issue that the United States should be combating through alternative energy and less dependance on oil. The environment is something that cannot be fixed when it is destroyed, but the damage on the environment is also something that can be exaggerated.