John Edwards is leading the Democratic pack on so many issues. He's way ahead of the other Democratic candidates on the related issues of energy and global warming, where he's issued a specific plan for energy independence, stopping global warming, and creating a new energy economy. Edwards has already committed to reducing carbon emissions 80% by 2050, the goal being widely called for by scientists and environmental organizations.

It's great to see a presidential candidate with bold, specific plans for saving our world. That's why today's multimedia links diary focuses on Edwards' plans for energy independence, stopping global warming, and saving our planet.

It's time to be patriotic about something other than war!

Today's multimedia diary includes a new section: action items. This section is at the end and contains some quick action items you can take on this issue.

Video:

John Edwards at Step It Up rally in Fort Myers, Florida

 

Edwards: You know, anybody who has any doubt about whether global warming's occurring should be in Fort Myers today.

 

 

John Edwards at Step It Up rally (short excerpt)

John Edwards discusses Global Warming plan in San Francisco

 

Edwards: We are 4% of the world's population emitting 25% of the world's greenhouse gases.

 

 

John Edwards on Climate Change

 

Edwards: Climate change, global warming. This is an emergency. This is not an issue for the future.

 

 

John Edwards on Changing the Way We Use Energy

 

Edwards: We can reduce our dependence on oil. I'm convinced of that. Reduce our dependence on oil, conserve energy, and transfer the way we - in a really bold, serious way - the way we use energy in America in a way that will create over a million jobs, not lose jobs.

 

 

John Edwards on the Need to Fight Global Warming

 

Edwards: The planet has to survive, so we have a pretty simple question to begin with.

 

 

John Edwards: U.S. Should Be World Leader on Global Warming

 

Edwards: We ought to be leading on global warming.

 

 

John Edwards: We Can't Leave Global Warming For Our Children

 

Edwards: And it's time we stood up for an energy policy that's not dictated by the profits of big oil companies...

 

 

John Edwards: Warming Frightening; No Baby Steps

 

Edwards: I don't think that incremental baby steps are enough. Now, if that's what you want, I'm not your guy.

 

 

Audio:

 

 

Saturday Morning E-Cast: Reduce Your Carbon by John Edwards

 

Edwards: I also happen to believe if we deal with it in a smart way and boldly, we can actually transform the way we use energy, we can address global warming, AND we can help create a new energy economy for this country.

 

 

Articles and blogs:

 

 

Achieving Energy Independence & Stopping Global Warming Through A New Energy Economy (The Edwards platform on Energy and Global Warming)

Edwards: "Our generation must be the one that says, 'we must halt global warming.' Our generation must be the one that says 'yes' to renewable fuels and ends forever our dependence on foreign oil. And our generation must be the one that builds the new energy economy. It won't be easy, but it is time to ask the American people to be patriotic about something other than war."

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Here's How by John Edwards

Edwards: My energy plan calls for an 80 percent reduction in American carbon emissions by 2050--the amount necessary to halt the worst effects of global warming according to the latest science--and to freeze the growth of our electricity usage for a decade through efficiency programs.

John Edwards commits to 80% by 2050! (Step It Up 2007)

Quote: This is an incredible step in the right direction and bodes well for our upcoming day of action on April 14. Politicians are finally getting the message that voters want a change of direction on global warming and won't settle for less than a strong, bold commitment.

Edwards rallies 350 to energy, clean air causes (The News-Press)

Quote: Edwards appeared as featured speaker at the Step it Up 2007 rally to press Congress into passing regulations to cut carbon emissions like car exhaust by 80 percent by 2050.

Edwards calls for action on global warming (Bonita Daily News)

Quote: He noted that similar Step It Up rallies like the one he was attending in Fort Myers were happening around the country Saturday, and he voiced support for the Step It Up goal of reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050. "This is an aggressive goal, but it is an achievable goal," he said.

Edwards Calls for End to Coal-Fired Power Plants (AP)

Quote: Edwards said charging polluters could generate up to $40 billion to invest in clean technology to "get us off our addiction to oil."

Step It Up in Ft. Myers, Sat. 4/14 by AlphaPaint1

Quote: Pinellas County One Corps member Kathy Fair and I had a wonderful time, and made some new friends, at the "Step It Up" rally in Ft. Myers, Florida today. And guess who joined us?!

John Edwards Courts Local Media (KGO TV - with video)

Quote: Edwards came to California today to call for a ban on coal-fired power plants. The former North Carolina senator met with reporters today to talk about his plans to combat global warming.

Edwards Announces Bold Energy Plan

Quote: In a speech today at the Biomass Energy Conversion Center, Senator John Edwards outlined a bold plan for America to achieve energy independence and halt global warming. Under Edwards' plan, America can lead the world in stopping climate change, create 1 million new jobs in a new, clean energy economy and freeze our growing demand for electricity.

League of Conservation Voters Applauds John Edwards' Global Warming Plan

Quote: Senator Edwards has outlined the most comprehensive global warming plan of any presidential candidate to date.

League of Conservation Voters: John Edwards on Global Warming

Edwards: "Global warming is a problem that is here, now, and not going away. The United States must lead - lead smart, lead courageously, and lead by example. It is time to ask the American people to be patriotic about something other than war. We need investments in renewable energy - more efficient cars and trucks - and a national cap on carbon emissions."

Action items:

ReduceYourCarbon.com

Pledge to reduce your personal carbon emissions.

Sign up for One Corps. John Edwards One Corps is planning Earth Day events all over the country on April 22. Join us!

Want a president who will pledge to cut carbon emissions 80% by 2050? Contribute to John Edwards.

Crossposted from Daily Kos.