Climate Change, Day 1

Essential Question:  What political dynamics keep lawmakers from taking action on urgent issues?
 
Objective:  To compare what is blocking action on issues like climate change with conditions in the 1970s leading to unanimous passing of the Clean Air Act under Nixon.
 
Framing:
Over the next two weeks, we’ll be engaging in some intense study of two critical and controversial issues in preparation for Model Senate (Climate Change and Fiscal Cliff).  In the last week before break we’ll be writing and revising bills.  The speeches and bills are the primary assessments for Model Senate, so it’s essential that you feel knowledgeable about these issues.
 
Starter 29- Political Pressure
Turn to the top of page 4, and with the political pressure graphic, consider our question: What political dynamics keep lawmakers from taking action on urgent issues?

1. On the LEFT side, fill in bubbles with forces that apply pressure for lawmakes to RESIST passing legislation.
2. On the RIGHT side, fill in bubbles with forces that apply pressure for lawmakers to act.

 
If you are stuck, consider…

1. Lack of voter support in district for legislation
2. Party position
3. Persuasion from other lawmakers
4. Mass protest wanting action
5. Negative media exposure for inaction
6. New, reliable scientific data showing problem
7. Increasing technology to address problem
8. Individual campaign contributions
9. Personal/social ties/personal experiences
   
10. Needs of their district and voters (constituents)
11. WHAT ELSE?

 
Clean Air Act
Setting the Stage:  The CAA is important because it is the law under which our EPA has the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.  This is THE major political fight on climate change right now, so understanding this law, and the history of it is critical to our political debate.

1. Video 1:  A summary of the CAA and its social and political context.  
2. Video 2:   An interview with Senator Edmund Muskie who authored the bill. (we'll watch the first few minutes).  

After the videos, write your top 3 take-aways on page 4 of your issues packet.
 
Video:  Years of Living Dangerously, Part 3
We’ll watch part 3 of this award-winning documentary (50 minutes).  As we watch, you’ll fill out page 3 of your issue packet.  This is not available online, so you'll need to borrow it from Lori if you're absent.
 
HOMEWORK:
Make sure that you have pages 1-4 of your issue packet complete.