Jeb Bush Joins Forces with Coal Industry and Climate Deniers Against Pope's Climate Change Message

Strategic Insights -

As Republican presidential contender Jeb Bush embarked on his campaign trail, he found himself at odds with Pope Francis on the issue of climate change. In a town hall event in New Hampshire, Bush stated that the Pope should steer clear of global affairs, particularly when it comes to economic policy. This stance aligns with that of the coal industry, which has been vocal in its opposition to the Pope's upcoming encyclical on climate change. The Pope is expected to call for the phasing out of fossil fuels and a global deal to combat climate change.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jeb Bush, a Catholic, stated that he would not be guided by the Pope's teachings on climate change, saying "I hope I'm not going to get castigated for saying this by my priest back home, but I don't get economic policy from my bishops or my cardinal or my pope."
  • Bush's comments align with those of climate deniers and the fossil fuel industry, which have been critical of the Pope's planned encyclical on climate change.
  • At least five Republican presidential contenders are Catholic, with two – Bush and Rick Santorum – coming out against the Pope on climate change.

*According to a leaked version of the encyclical, the Pope will call for the phasing out of fossil fuels and a global deal to combat climate change.

  • The Vatican has warned of potential changes to the final version of the encyclical before its official release on Thursday.
  • Tom Altmeyer, a lobbyist for Arch Coal, sent out an email blast rebuking the Pope for failing to promote fossil fuels as a solution to global poverty.
  • Bush earlier this month spoke at a $7,500 golfing and fly fishing retreat hosted by coal companies, including Arch.

Statistics:

  • 5 Republican presidential contenders are Catholic
  • 8 out of 20 Republican presidential hopefuls deny the existence of man-made climate change
  • 2 Republican presidential contenders (Bush and Santorum) have come out against the Pope on climate change
  • 18 Republicans in Congress deny the existence of man-made climate change and oppose regulations to cut greenhouse gas emissions
  • Lindsey Graham is the only Republican presidential contender who acknowledges the danger of climate change

Sources:

  • Greenpeace
  • The Guardian
  • "Leaked Encyclical" (exact source of original text not specified)
  • Philadelphia Radio Station (exact source of original text not specified)