This is interesting. A group of thousands of scientists, engineers and science buffs called Science Debate 2008got Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain to answer 14 science policy questions. Given the numerous investigations into the Bush administration’s interference with science, which many scientists are callinga “Siege on Science,” the questions seem more than warranted. Illustration by:Matt Mahurin
On climate change, McCain said that he plans to reduce CO2 emissions to 60 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, through a carbon cap-and-trade system. Obama also proposes cap and trade, but says he will reduce emissions by 80 percent below 1990 levels — which is what the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change calls for.
On energy, both McCain and Obama talked about clean renewable energy expansion as well as nuclear energy expansion, though McCain wants to throw a lot more money to nuclear and Obama wants to throw more money to cleaner sources like solar and wind.