During the first Democratic presidential debate, a number of candidates stated that climate change was an existential threat, one of our biggest national security threats, or their first priority. Here are some follow-up questions they all should be asked:
1. Would they outlaw gasoline-powered cars and diesel-powered trucks? How about trucks carrying diesel generators to rescue electric cars stranded between charging stations? Emergency vehicles or farm equipment or excavation equipment with internal combustion engines?
2. Would they restrict meat consumption, air conditioning and heating, elevators, or home appliances such as clothes driers?
3. What would supply back-up generating capacity when solar and wind facilities are not generating any power?
4. How much increase in electrical bills is acceptable? What do they think of increases in Germany and Australia?
5. How much should homeowners be expected to pay to retrofit their homes for new energy-efficiency standards?
6. How many jobs will be lost in mining, oil and gas production, automobile manufacturing and servicing, other industries that require large amounts of reliable electricity, the trucking industry, etc.?
7. What will happen to living standards?
8. How much will climate change will result?
For other major issues related to atmospheric carbon dioxide and climate (wildfires, health effects, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, Arctic ice, hurricanes, and more), see Climate Change IQ test. How well does your favorite candidate do?