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I don't think it should be political at all. But why it occurs is important. It affects policy at a governmental and international level.
Personally, I think being environmentally responsible is not only an obligation but for individuals, it makes economic sense. I save money not using the hot water, not using the oven and clothes dryer constantly, turning off lights and not driving a gas-guzzler. My house stays cooler because there's trees around it (well, there were trees around it before the neighbors decided to chop'em down). It stays warmer in winter because the windows get sealed, thus less energy to heat it(plus the thermostat stays at 65).
I'd rather see farmland be built on than have forests torn down for housing-at least the farmland is already cleared and, in fact, trees and plants on that land would be increased due to the building.
Should I pay attention to a politician who travels the country by plane and car as he extolls the importance of political involvement in matters of the environment? I don't, so, no.
Should a politician be given the Peace Prize for environmental work? No, if they want to reward environmental zealots, there should be a category for it.
I do all the above, give to World Wildlife Fund when I can and I didn't need an Al Gore to tell me to. Maybe others do, but I'm of the opinion that either you give a shit or you don't. This issue has been in the forefront of discussion for over 30 years and one would have to have been living in a cave to not know something about it. On the other hand, living in a cave would be a true environmentalist....
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