Schwarzenegger Confirms Link Between Global Warming And Wildfires, Hits Bush For Not Believing The Science
Schwarzenegger Confirms Link Between Global Warming And Wildfires, Hits Bush For Not Believing The Science
On Friday, the Bush administration “rejected its own experts’ conclusion that global warming poses a threat to the public welfare, launching a comment period that will delay action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at least until the next president takes office.” As the Wonk Room’s Brad Johnson notes, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson “attack[ed] the clear and present threat of global warming” and dismissed it as a “‘complex’ issue that hinges on ‘interpretation of statutory terms.’”
The decision was quickly denounced by environmental experts, EPA staffers, and even a member of President Bush’s own party — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. In an interview this morning with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, Schwarzenegger laments that the Bush administration “did not believe in global warming.” He adds that even if officials had done something on Friday, he would have thought it “bogus anyway…because you don’t change global warming and you don’t really have an effect by doing something six months before you leave office“:
[I]t just really means basically this administration did not believe in global warming, or they did not believe that they should do anything about it since China is not doing anything about it and since India is not willing to do the same thing, so why should we do the same thing.
But that’s not how we put a man on the moon. We did not say let everyone else do the same thing, then we will do it. We said we want to be the pioneers, we want to be out there in front. … I think we have a good opportunity to do the same thing, also, with fighting global warming.
As the Wonk Room’s Brad Johnson has explained, Schwarzenegger also confirmed that he believes the strong wildfires in California are partially a result of global warming. Watch it:
Schwarzenegger has repeatedly tried to call the Bush administration on its abysmal global warming record, exposing weak measures officials try to tout as groundbreaking. In April, Bush called for a “national goal” to halt the growth of U.S. carbon emissions by 2025. But as Schwarzenegger told PBS, “For him to say we should start really reducing greenhouse gases by the year 2025, by that time we’ll have no more glacier left.”
Transcript:
STEPHANOPOULOS: How much of that is due, do you think, to global warming, to climate change?
SCHWARZENEGGER: Well, it’s very hard to say. I mean, one thing we know for sure, and that is we have had a drought for two years in a row now. We have a lack of water here in California, which is very important, why we need to redo our infrastructure and rebuild our water system again in California.
And I think that we just have to be aware of those changes. I’m sure, partially, that it has something to do with global warming, also, because we have just now broken a record.
I think that in modern history in California, we have never had this kind of size of fire and up and down, 725,000 acres of land has burned so far. This is the most ever.
STEPHANOPOULOS: And yet we read front page of the Washington Post this morning, President Bush’s EPA is going to take no more actions this year during his presidency to stop global warming emissions.
SCHWARZENEGGER: Well, to be honest with you, if they would have done something this year, I would have thought it was bogus anyway.
STEPHANOPOULOS: Why?
SCHWARZENEGGER: Well, because you don’t change global warming and you don’t really have an effect by doing something six months before you leave office. I mean, that is…
STEPHANOPOULOS: Doesn’t every bit help?
SCHWARZENEGGER: No, it doesn’t sound to me believable at all. The sincerity is not there.
I think that the way they have done it is much better, because it just really means basically this administration did not believe in global warming, or they did not believe that they should do anything about it since China is not doing anything about it and since India is not willing to do the same thing, so why should we do the same thing.
But that’s not how we put a man on the moon. We did not say let everyone else do the same thing, then we will do it. We said we want to be the pioneers, we want to be out there in front.
And we are out there in front when it comes to stem cell research. We’re out there in front when it comes to high technology and biotechnology, with our university systems.
I think we have a good opportunity to do the same thing, also, with fighting global warming.
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73 Responses to “Schwarzenegger Confirms Link Between Global Warming And Wildfires, Hits Bush For Not Believing The Science”
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The biggest shock to me was Arnold praising Carter's energy policy, and criticing Reagan for "scrapping it".
July 13th, 2008 at 12:11 pmi really don't think that the Bush administration “did not believe in global warming.” ...
they aren't stupid... they just haven't decided how to make an easy buck out of the deal... besides, how much more do they need...
July 13th, 2008 at 12:13 pmwhatever happened to all of the classic climate deniers who used to flock here to explain how climate change was a complete fallacy? I miss those folks...
July 13th, 2008 at 12:21 pmThen I expect there will be no more crap from John Kerry about global warming. Unless he;s lying of course ( I suspect bold might equal sarcasm in this case, but maybe I'll go with blind acceptance instead of lengthy experience this time).
July 13th, 2008 at 12:33 pmjohn kerry is silly
July 13th, 2008 at 12:33 pmI'd love to see Arnold put George in a headlock and give him a great big muscular noogie.
July 13th, 2008 at 12:35 pmWell, let's not get carried away. Ah-nold is not exactly qualified to 'confirm" global warming.
He hasn't the training, education or research expertise.
He is, however, able to AFFIRM his own logical connection between climate change and increased frequency and intensity of wildfires.
July 13th, 2008 at 12:35 pmThat's what we love about him.
July 13th, 2008 at 12:36 pmkaty, they know how to make the money...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7436263.stm
July 13th, 2008 at 12:37 pmJ. Kerry, you are the bee's knees!
July 13th, 2008 at 12:38 pmIf only John Kerry could muster more than one, there is so much he has to share that I would like to hear...
July 13th, 2008 at 12:41 pmBut that’s not how we put a man on the moon. We did not say let everyone else do the same thing, then we will do it. We said we want to be the pioneers, we want to be out there in front. … I think we have a good opportunity to do the same thing, also, with fighting global warming.
The Apollo project was about national pride, showing up the Soviets. While taking the lead on global warming is about national necessity.
We're the world leader in creating the problem and we need to be the leader in fixing it. Developing nations will need to do their part but they're trying to raise their people out of poverty while our policies are about enriching a handful of people at the expense of the rest of the world.
http://progressiveworldreview.com
July 13th, 2008 at 12:47 pmwell, backup, i was referring to bushco, and EASY money, which means they have to stick with their oil model, 'cause alternatives require CHANGE and change is SCARY... and HARD WORK.
and, i was being sarcastic...
July 13th, 2008 at 12:49 pmhey, did anyone catch facethenation?
when discussing the supposed troop withdrawal from irag, nary a word about it from carl levin - it took lugar to bring up the fact that more troops are needed in IRAN...
what's up with carl levin?
July 13th, 2008 at 12:50 pmInteresting survey on world public opinion of global warming, causes and responsibilities.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworld/worldstories/pressreleases/2008/07_july/synovate.shtml
July 13th, 2008 at 12:53 pmkaty: what’s up with carl levin?
AIPAC perhaps?
July 13th, 2008 at 12:54 pmkaty, my bad. I'll try to keep up. :)
July 13th, 2008 at 12:54 pmjk thinks no company can do wrong. Just goes to show who these people think America is.....clue, it's not people.
July 13th, 2008 at 12:56 pmWe're ripe for a united effort that combines the goals of emissions reductions and energy independence.
I won't post the link (people think I'm spamming) but T. Boone has a plan.
If it's not his plan, at least we should elevate a national energy plan to the top of the agenda during this campaign season.
I think Americans are tired of the divisions. Why not focus on an initiative that most Americans can support (and most non-Americans would welcome).
Most feel that our dependence on foreign oil jeopardizes our security. Most feel that our excessive use of fossil fuels damages the environment. Most want to stop the flow of hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars to the middle east for outrageously priced oil.
I contend that the candidate that brings these issues to the forefront and proposes a coherent plan to address them, will be the next president.
People are ready. We're just waiting for the leadership.
July 13th, 2008 at 1:08 pmTwo things I fault Bill Clinton for - Rwanda and CAFE standards/fuel consumption. He did nothing re either. The time to act was 10/12 years ago, when gasoline was a buck or so. A gradual increase in gasoline taxes, an exemption for diesel, subsidies for new generation diesels, and at least closing the CAFE light truck loophole that allowed all the minivans and SUVs to form their own little cultures. Anyone who's been to Europe has seen the possibilities missed - three-cylinder turbodiesel road rockets which get 60 mpg(Imperial). Of course, it mighta helped if the MSM/GOP hadn't decided to undermine/sabotage his presidency by any means necessary. Traitors.
I'm afraid it's too late for the U.S. to get ahead of the curve now; still, we must make a dedicated, serious effort to increase energy efficiency and/or decrease energy usage. Getting the most from the least is any engineer's ideal, it shouldn't be allowed to be painted as some feel-good liberal pipe dream.
BTW, anyone who voted to put two oil guys, and their various oil buddies, in charge of the U.S. and her energy policy should be required to fill the tires of all bicycle riders for ten years.
Oh, and Ahnold is dead right when it comes to that Carter/Reagan observation. Jimmy Carter knew his stuff and wasn't about to be bought off, unlike professional corporate shill Reagan.
July 13th, 2008 at 1:08 pmI'm guessing that this is bush's plan to sway the elections by making thing look a little better so Carl didn't feel like he should give them any credit since it is just politically motivated.
Don't know how they will make the economy look better though.
July 13th, 2008 at 1:12 pmIt's the economy stupid
July 13th, 2008 at 1:14 pmFred Says:
...
I’m guessing that this is bush’s plan to sway the elections by making thing look a little better so Carl didn’t feel like he should give them any credit since it is just politically motivated.
i'm sure - so i'm wondering why levin didn't say what lugar did - that those troops would only be transferred to afganistan (did i say IRAN? i meant AFGHANISTAN)
July 13th, 2008 at 1:24 pmTanqueray:
July 13th, 2008 at 1:24 pmHi! So your distaste of Mr. Schwarzenegger aside, where are you at on global climate and what actions do or do you not support?
According to Godwin's law, I believe Bathtub Gin lost this latest debate in only four words.
That may be a new record for her.
July 13th, 2008 at 1:28 pmTang is just mad a Arnold for speaking truth to tangs god. The bush worshippers are just sad.
July 13th, 2008 at 1:31 pmtanq
(fist tap)
backup.
:)
good luck.
$
July 13th, 2008 at 1:36 pmTanq, u r a q t!
July 13th, 2008 at 1:56 pmArnold has really surprised me.
July 13th, 2008 at 1:57 pmWell, it's interesting but if they have 1500 accountants they will use to disrupt this weekend, doesn't look like much has happened so far.
I could be posing as a lefty, but it would be a pretty intense deception. I've been posting here since before the Nov 2006 election. My views have been moderated (mostly due to my inquires here), but I still speak up when I disagree.
And I don't shy away from the CaptainMantastic moniker. I won't bore the others here that might have heard it, but I'll go over to a dead thread and explain my banning and deletion of my old posts, if you would like.
July 13th, 2008 at 2:01 pmaccountants should be accounts. But a 1500 accountant blitz would be even more interesting.
July 13th, 2008 at 2:02 pmFred. I suggest that as the price of oil increases and our oil consumption increases, more of our resources (dollars) go to the middle east. That money is going to build Dubai instead of being used to build American cities.
The transfer of American wealth to the Middle East is an economic issue.
July 13th, 2008 at 2:07 pmAhnold is a TOOL of the energy industry, and was the reason that California was SCREWED for 39 BILLION dollars.
Gray Davis sued the energy companies for their electric ripoff of consumers (Grandma Millie?) for 40 Billion.
Pat Wood, crony placed by Bush to replace public servant Curtis Hebert, said California could only sue for $9 Billion.
Then the energy companies put Ahnold into place, and he settled for $180 MILLION.
Whatever the energy companies spent (well less that 1 Billion) on Ahnold, they SAVED $38 BILLION and put a Nazi governor into California.
People who know this know Ahnold is POISON to the USA, just like the other TREASONOUS Bushies...
July 13th, 2008 at 2:19 pmHasta la vista, Dubya!
July 13th, 2008 at 2:20 pmToo late for Ahhhnold to reinvent himself - remember this? http://youtube.com/watch?v=ODbQku2ifF4
July 13th, 2008 at 2:28 pmThe transfer of American wealth to the Middle East is an economic issue.
Really Captaindumbtastic? And why isn't the dipshit you voted for twice not even the least bit concerned?
He's a traitor, and you are an undeniable tool.
July 13th, 2008 at 2:54 pmEASY money, which means they have to stick with their oil model, ’cause alternatives require CHANGE and change is SCARY… and HARD WORK.
Yup, and new technologies aren't a monopoly like crude oil, which is guaranteed to turn a profit for decades.
We all know "learning" a repuke is akin to "pissin in the wind".
July 13th, 2008 at 2:59 pmHmm. Eight-Hummer Arnold said a couple of weeks ago the he supports the environmental policies of eight-house McCain... And now Eight-Hummer Arnold is volunteering to be President Obama's "Energy Czar?" Dear Arnold, if you want to be a Czar, move to Russia; that's where all the Czars were...
July 13th, 2008 at 3:01 pmEight-Hummer Arnold
Well, you know steroids and testicles don't make a good match, thus the need for the "coward-mobile."
July 13th, 2008 at 3:02 pmlawr1999. I think you give more credit to Trajan and Odom than is due. It sounds a little conspiratorial to me, but, maybe you know more about it than I do.
I don't know why I was banned. I find it curious that in addition to banning me as CaptainMantastic, someone went to the effort to delete hundreds of my past posts. What would you have to say for that to happen?
I have made an effort to try to be more diplomatic. I have made a commitment to speak up not only when I disagree, but also when I agree.
I usually respond to information that is directed at me. (I had to go a couple of nights ago on the Israel/Iran airstrike, but I responded to onoclea in the morning - and conceded he/she was right).
I am attempting to rise above the partisanship and find the best answers. I'm not great at it, but my posts are genuine.
Regardless of whether I add anything to the discussions here; I benefit greatly.
For that, I am grateful to ThinkProgress and the posters here that accommodate my dissenting views.
July 13th, 2008 at 3:04 pmBush/Cheney are too connected to the oil industry to address this problem.
In January, we will have new leadership and a better opportunity to deal with it.
July 13th, 2008 at 3:07 pmAhnold is a Nazi TOOL of the Energy Companies, just like TRAITOR Bush is and TRAITOR Ronnie Reagan WAS.
Don't trust a THING he has to say.
He is one of those responsible for STEALING $38 Billion from California, having met with Ken Lay in April 2001 about how to do it...
July 13th, 2008 at 3:13 pmlawr1999. I'm sure there are anti-progressive forces out there. I just contend that you are giving too much credence to the ones you highlight.
Go to alexa.com.
http://www.alexa.com/
plug in freshmediavision.com and compare it with thinkprogress.org.
(freshmediavision.com doesn't even register). But, I guess it's worth keeping an eye on.
July 13th, 2008 at 3:42 pmmy bad: freshvisionmedia.com
http://www.alexa.com/data/details/traffic_details/freshvisionmedia.com
July 13th, 2008 at 3:44 pmFreshy SEO
July 13th, 2008 at 4:18 pmLive & Fresh
Plurkable
The Union Label Blog
Bush/Cheney are too connected to the oil industry to address this problem.
Thus you voted twice for them, cause you're a fcuking idiot, mmmkay?
July 13th, 2008 at 4:21 pmI benefit greatly.
When your a bottom dweller, there's only one way but up, huh?
July 13th, 2008 at 4:25 pmI have to lend some support to backup here.
He's not a troll, in my view. Others have a more expansive definition of "troll" but even in that case, he's not even close to being Trajan's class.
I often find backup's arguments weak, disingenuous, even troll-like at times but probably at least as often he contributes positively to the thread and and asks reasonable questions or makes reasonable points.
I think he genuinely sees many things from a different perspective and on a few things, he agrees with us. And whichever it is, he'll say so.
So I say, take him at his word, bash him when he deserves it (and don't get me wrong -- there are times when he does deserve it) but save the "Concern Troll" label for those who really earn it. Backup is just a right-leaning poster who enjoys the scrapping here at TP.
July 13th, 2008 at 4:33 pmralph. That is very fair. Thank you.
July 13th, 2008 at 4:41 pmClimate threads just aren't what they used to be...
July 13th, 2008 at 4:44 pmWell, in terms of debate on oil dependence and reducing emissions, I'll make this point:
If the price of oil was at $35 dollars a barrel in 2004 and it's $140 a barrel today, you might say the issue has increased importance today.
In terms of reducing emissions the consensus for reducing emissions has greatly increased since 2004. The situation has changed.
I concede that Bush/Cheney aren't in a position to provide any leadership on the issue, due in large part to their times to the oil industry. But, we will have new leadership in '09.
I am suggesting that while we are having a national campaign, why not debate policies that address issues that concern us all: energy independence and reduced emissions through conservation and innovation.
July 13th, 2008 at 4:53 pmHe’s not a troll, in my view.
You and maybe one other poster here. The rest of us find it hard to forgive the former CaptainDumbtastic.
Maybe if you searched, google would have some cached comments from this traitor since TP rightfully deleted most if not all his/her past bullshit.
July 13th, 2008 at 4:55 pmWell, in terms of debate on oil dependence and reducing emissions, I’ll make this point:
You and "yours" screwed the pooch, ROYALLY.
You have ZERO credibility.
Time to let the grown-ups run the show.
And you can take your concern and blow it out your size nine poop shoot.
July 13th, 2008 at 4:57 pmDieForPeaceNow. Okay, it's time for the grown-ups to run the show. What's your grown-up vision for the future?
July 13th, 2008 at 5:04 pmSo about this climate thing? Fact or fiction?...
July 13th, 2008 at 5:10 pm"What’s your grown-up vision for the future?"
A future without RePugniScum, neocon, moronic trolls and Corporate Fascism!
Just for a start of course...
July 13th, 2008 at 5:11 pmdixie blood. I get what you're against. What are you for?
July 13th, 2008 at 5:25 pmdbadass.
I think the planet's getting warmer. I think man plays a role in the warming (how significant, I don't know).
But, regardless of how significant man's role is, most of the initiatives to slow the warming are good for the environment. And good for reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
I support better fuel standards and reductions in emissions.
The only hesitation I have is an unchecked empowerment of governments to use the issue of climate change to impliment policy that have little benefit to the environment.
They used climate change in part to promote ethanol (which I believe was a mistake).
And I posted the link up around #10, that indicates some misuse of the carbon credit program funding.
July 13th, 2008 at 5:33 pmDieForPeaceNow. Here's a link to a TP thread before I was banned as CaptainMantastic. My posts were deleted, but others have pasted my posts in responses. Do me a favor and find the most offensive ones, and I'll address them.
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/07/thinkfast-february-7-2008/
July 13th, 2008 at 5:39 pm1. if all the big ignorant mouths I read here would walk the walk the country could change directions tomorrow.
July 13th, 2008 at 5:42 pm2. reading blogs is boring and sad because it reveals just how much ignorant lazy blather is out there - and this is supposed to be the informed electorate?
3. The people (us) do not apparently care because actions speak much louder.
4. You are all socio-pathic schizoids - i bet you write your drivel and go back to being the wasteful oil consumptive consumer you have learned to be.
5. If you REALLY want to see change than stop using petroleum in all its forms. Start contributing to a cause with your time and money.
zoeal:
July 13th, 2008 at 5:49 pmWhat's happening?
zoeal. take this quiz. maybe it will make you feel better.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13442226/
July 13th, 2008 at 5:54 pm"socio-pathic schizoids"
This is my favorite part...
July 13th, 2008 at 6:01 pmbackup(puke) says--
"dixie blood. I get what you’re against. What are you for?"
I'm for the removal of hatred and scumbags and theft and rasicm and fascist phucks and sh!it you don't care about...
Do you useless much??? I thought so....
Moron!!
July 13th, 2008 at 6:48 pmBackup says--
Here’s a link to a TP thread before I was banned as CaptainMantastic.
This "backup" piece of sh!t lied and lied and lied about not being CaptainMantastic and now he tells the truth!!!!
Phuck you backedup and Captain-MAN-spastic!!! Whoever the phuck you phaggots are???
July 13th, 2008 at 6:54 pmbackup, the government used climate change (and energy independence) to promote ethanol at the behest of Big Agribusiness.
July 13th, 2008 at 6:56 pmralph. I agree. It was for the farm lobby, it had bi-partisan support and it was a mistake.
July 13th, 2008 at 8:58 pmShow me the lies, dixie blood.
July 13th, 2008 at 8:59 pmralph. This sums up the ethanol point:
http://johnibiii.wordpress.com/2008/05/01/congress-set-to-back-off-on-support-for-ethanol/
The bigger push was energy independence with the added promise of reduced emissions. Democrats in congress and Bush, were all on board.
The unintended consequences weren't worth it.
July 13th, 2008 at 9:42 pmbackup, I don't argue that "bigger push was energy independence with the added promise of reduced emissions". But that was merely a marketing campaign.
July 13th, 2008 at 10:08 pmyou're right. I think we should support initiatives that protect the environment, but we should make sure the climate change issue (or energy independence issue) isn't hijacked by any party to sell policies that have little environmental (or energy independence) benefit.
July 13th, 2008 at 10:35 pmNews item:
Robot Man Turns Out To Be Smarter Than Real Man
July 14th, 2008 at 12:18 amYour comment is awaiting moderation.
Palin may prove to help or hurt McCain. Two months is a very long time in politics. In either case, it seems hard to imagine, today, that she is the irresponsible, patronizing choice that many in the press were charging before they had any idea who she was.
I used to admire what I thought was objectivity in journalism. Maybe that’s a virtuous ideal we should revisit on occasion.
September 4th, 2008 at 2:21 pm