What will you do as a U.S. representative to address climate change?
U.S. Representative
Mary Peltola
Democratic candidate for U.S. Representative
We are living with the effects of climate change in Alaska and the effects are devastating. In my home of Bethel, Alaska, the foundations of homes are cracking, as the tundra thaws and Western Alaska is facing severe damage after an unprecedented, dangerous storm. While we adapt to our changing environment and implement measures to address the impact, like the relocation of Newtok to Mertarvik, we need national leadership that prioritizes solutions as large as the problem we face. Alaska has bountiful resources, but we need responsible resource development to ensure that the risks of climate change are addressed.
Sarah Palin
Republican candidate for U.S. Representative
“Climate change” as ill-defined by many who are merely looking to control people is a fraud that is peddled by power-hungry politicians looking for another excuse to intrude into our lives and infringe on our God-given liberties. It’s pure hubris to think that mankind has the sort of omnipotent impact that the left claims. To the extent that the climate is going through natural cycles, we would be far better off investing our time, energy and money in strategies for adapting to a changing world rather than making ourselves poorer in the vain hope that we can single-handedly alter the Earth’s temperature.
Chris Bye
Libertarian candidate for U.S. Representative
To have the most immediate impact and truly challenge the status quo, we must make changes at the lowest level possible. This begins with consumers. If consumers truly want this addressed, stop buying products that contribute to the issue. Refrain from activities that fuel it. The consumer retains far more power to demand changes from corporations than the U.S. Constitution allows for the federal government to undertake. Money talks. Frankly if we are relying on politicians and bureaucrats to fix this or myriad other issues we are in a world of hurt.
Nick Begich
Republican candidate for U.S. Representative
Climate variation within the Arctic has impacted Alaska in observable ways: changing fish and game migratory patterns, coastal erosion and diminished permafrost. As we look to the future, we must ensure that federal infrastructure investments are neither a temporary solution nor an excuse for additional government agency control. Instead, we must focus our effort on long-term permanent infrastructure solutions that will allow for communities to continue to prosper in the face of a changing world. Congress does not have the power to alter the earth’s climate. Nevertheless, if properly managed, additional investments in ports, roads, bridges and rail will ensure Alaska thrives as new shipping lanes and lands open to responsible development.