Overview
Convene a group of political scientists, elected officials (and their staffers), and campaign operatives to conduct an analysis and dialogue about the connections between systemic problems in democratic governance in the United States and climate change. For example, how do campaign financing, redistricting and the lack of competitive seats and other factors influence policy performance on climate change?
Participants | Objectives | Related InitiativesÂ
Participants
Yarrow Axford
David Burwell
Thea Hayes
Kris Holstrom
Andrew Huemmler
Clayt Lauter
John McQuaid
Bill Shore
Bill Yeates
Objectives
- Study the fundamentals. Some systemic issues, like redistricting to create non-competitive congressional seats, are often recognized as serious by the public but are not connected specifically to issues such as climate change. A vigorous and detailed analysis of these connections could illuminate the basis for gridlock on climate change and point the way toward new strategies. For example, a seat-by-seat analysis that evaluates both degree of competitiveness (swing district or safe seat) and elected officials’ positions on climate change could reveal important patterns.
Related Initiatives
- Pew Center on Global Climate Change - The Pew Center on Global Climate Change brings together business leaders, policy makers, scientists, and other experts to bring a new approach to a complex and often controversial issue. Our approach is based on sound science, straight talk, and a belief that we can work together to protect the climate while sustaining economic growth.
1 comment
April 6th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Richard Jordan
Should really look at newly elected officials — e.g., Eliot Spitzer, Gov. of NY, has nominated former 30-year Assemblyman Pete Grannis to be State Dept. of Env. Conservation head.
What about having across colleges — meaning a multi-college university project, such a discussion funded by the Lily Endowment??
They seem to be a likely source of interest.
Richard Jordan