President Bush Agrees That the U.S. Plays A Role in Global Warming

The issue of global warming has gained a great deal of limelight in the last ten years. Though it was once only speculation, most scientists and politicians now agree that global warming is a major issue that is affecting our planet. Countless organizations, films and politicians have devoted a great deal of time and effort into the fight against global warming; this consensus is a recent occurrence however. In the early years of global warming's exposure to the public, there were many who denied global warming or at the very least felt that a lot more research was needed to draw an informed conclusion. Surprisingly, this view on global warming was not limited to foreign governments or uninformed countries, even leaders in the United States were doubtful. June of 2001 marked a historic time, where President Bush acknowledged that the United States was playing a role in global warming; an omission that would be characterized by a great deal of uncertainty and controversy.

By 2001, it was nearly impossible for President George W. Bush to completely deny global warming. The National Academy of Science had just completed an in depth report which confirmed the reality of global warming and the threats that accompanied it. Pressures for Bush to acknowledge the US's role in global warming was increased, because at the time, he was to leave on a diplomatic trip to Europe. During this diplomatic visit, Global warming was to be a major issue of discussion and the acknowledgement of US involvement in global warming seemed to be a political necessity. Though Bush seemed to have no choice in acknowledging US involvement in global warming, he was able to remain openly skeptical.

President Bush's main problem with the issue of global warming was that, in his opinion, not enough research had been done on the topic. While he clearly admitted that the United States contributes about 20% of green house gas emissions, the significance of these emissions were brought into question. Bush continued to argue that there are natural temperature changes that must be accounted for and that science has failed to determine what level of warming is actually dangerous to the planet's health. Bush's argument to increase research came as an answer to these concerns, but it was also in response to the Kyoto Protocol. Bush's skepticism of global warming went hand in hand with his disapproval of the protocol. He believed that it was flawed and therefore, unfit to be ratified and implemented on an international level.

The President's call for more research was met very negatively by scientists and activists. For many, a call for research was the equivalent of stalling real action and progress. The anger of activists was slightly justified, seeing as global warming and the negative effect of greenhouse gases had been openly accepted by the Clinton administration years before. Bush's statements, though at first positive, actually played a major role in delaying the counter global warming action.

This event in history plays as a perfect representation of early global warming politics. Though only a mere ten years ago, it is quite startling how much notoriety the issue of global warming has gained. Currently, it is impossible for a political leader to sidestep the issue of global warming, but a few years ago, there were still debates held on the extent of its effects.