[Coral-List] Trump, Climate Change, and GOP Values

[Steve Mussman]

Dear Ellen and Listers,

Good article, it is right on point and should help to broaden the appeal, but at this particular moment in time I have to wonder if the tone and/or specifics of the message really matter. It seems to me, that now more than ever, a clear line has been drawn in the sand. Public perceptions of climate change seem to have settled in polarized positions and there they have dug in with such tenacity as to become virtually unmovable. No doubt some effort should remain to win over converts, but it doesn't seem like we are getting anywhere by tweaking the message regardless of how logical, factual and compelling  the arguments may be. 
The big question now seems to be can we (and coral reefs) tolerate at least a four year hiatus on federal initiatives designed to mitigate the impacts of climate change? If not,  perhaps we need to refocus our efforts on developing, supporting and promoting private, state-led and international initiatives that hopefully will be forthcoming designed to offset the ominous policy shifts that we anticipate are just over the horizon. 
Warm Regards,
Steve 
 


-----Original Message-----
>From: Ellen Prager 
>Sent: Dec 15, 2016 12:09 PM
>To: Coral-List list 
>Cc: "Dixon, Timothy" 
>Subject: [Coral-List] Trump, Climate Change, and GOP Values
>
>Dear Coral List
>
>Here’s a blog you all might appreciate. Dr. Tim Dixon and I tried to spell out why climate change and it’s impacts are exactly about the things Trump and the GOP claim to want to focus on - economy, national security, and human health. I got a bit about coral reefs in there as well. If you like it and agree, please comment on the post (if the blog gets more hits and comments, they’ll highlight it) and pass it on.
>
>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-ellen-prager/trump-climate-change-and-_b_13378468.html
>
>In addition to finding ways to better communicate our message about the importance of coral reefs and the serious threats to their existence, we need to find additional vehicles to reach a broader audience. If others have ideas, would love to hear them!
>
>Thanks
>
>Ellen
>
>Dr. Ellen Prager
>Earth2Ocean, Inc
>@elprager
>
>
>
>
>
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