Well, he mentioned climate change, sure enough:
America is on the verge of technological breakthroughs that will enable us to live our lives less dependent on oil. These technologies will help us become better stewards of the environment — and they will help us to confront the serious challenge of global climate change.
A couple of things to note:
- He built a sly ideological position right in to the quote: technology will save us. So, um, forget about those carbon caps. Suffice to say, that’s not working.
- The mention came at the very tail end of the energy-security section. It’s clearly intended to be framed as a side benefit: look, we’ll become more secure, and in the process do something about climate change. No question about which goal takes priority.
- Kif is exactly right — the mention of climate change was mumbled, begrudging, and utterly desultory. He obviously felt forced to do this. His heart’s not in it.
- Because of the above-mentioned factors, this mention of climate change will not have nearly the impact of his “addicted to oil” bomb.
