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The New York Times Dot Earth Blog

Civic Sense

Sallan stays in the mix on Andy Revkin's Dot Earth blog. This time, Nancy points out that what's needed is a civic sense that the passage and heart-felt implementation of climate legislation is no more and no less than doing the right thing.

March 31, 2008

Madison Avenue Sells S.U.V.'s. Can It Sell Climate Action?
By Andrew C. Revkin

43. By the time we live through the event to finally persuade us all that something must be done about climate change, it will be too late. If we are to get action on the climate front, we've got to face up to the fact that it will occur in a contested terrain where strategists must develop all the leverage they can. The leveraging tools will include mobilization of public opinion (whether or not Al Gore's the guy to do it), political calculation, and capital commitments in favor of robust climate legislation.

Passage of climate legislation will be contingent upon some mix of alertness to irreversible, if still over-the-horizon, climate changes, coupled with a credible belief in silver linings in the form of current and anticipated opportunities such as the creation of new, globally competitive technologies, industries, occupations and jobs. And don't forget the chance to give up our oil addiction!

Some old-fashioned executive and legislative leadership and elbow grease would go a long way in this campaign.

Finally, what's needed is a civic sense that the passage and heart-felt implementation of climate legislation is no more and no less than doing the right thing, just like driving only when sober.