Why isn't global warming an election issue?

Has anyone heard Stephen Harper forced to defend his government's inadequate policies for fighting global warming yet this election? We haven't.

The Liberal Party's emphasis on the central policy of their platform, the shift of taxes from income to pollution, has provided Harper the opportunity to frame discussion of emission reduction policies in terms of their effect on the economy, not on the environment. The fact that the global economy has taken a nosedive recently has not helped. Global warming was recently rated 6th in the issues that Canadians think important this election.

Recent extreme weather events such as hurricane Gustav and flooding in India which drove millions from their homes have not been framed as global warming issues by the media. Even events closer to home, such as the break up of one of Canada's arctic ice shelves, the faster than expected melting of the Greenland ice shelf, and the sustained shrinkage of the artic summer ice pack have not entered the discussion or helped frame the debate.

Global warming (and what Canada needs to do about it) can be brought back into this campaign, if opinion leaders at all levels are willing to put it there. Here are some things you can do in your community:
1. Talk to your friends and neighbours about the need to vote strategically to elect climate-friendly parties in Canada. Go to http://www.voteforclimate.ca/ to learn more.

2.Order an 'I'm voting for REAL action on Climate Change!' lawn sign from Voters Taking Action on Climate Change -- http://www.vtacc.org/

3. Go to the VTACC on line climate action map of Canada to add your voice to those in communities across the country who are calling form immediate action on climate change -- http://www.vtacc.org/gmap.html/

4. Go to http://www.voteenvironment2008.ca/ to read some great tips on questions to ask candidates, how to organise a climate change all candidates meeting, and so on.