IT USED TO SEEM THAT IF YOU DIDN'T VOTE ON ELECTION DAY, IT WASN'T THE END OF THE WORLD. NOW, IT JUST MIGHT BE.

Without governments committed to protecting the planet, there's only so much we as individuals can do. What we need are (drum roll) ... elected representatives! Hey! It worked wonders for civil rights.

If we've learned anything this century, it's that every vote counts. But for whom? Party labels are not a fool-proof way to tell where a candidate stands on global warming. Some candidates will say the right things at first, but when you ask for details, you find that they're blowing hot air at you. Which is ironic, if you think about it.