The technical issues aside, your main point is a strong one: sustainability is a key concept. At the same time, the concentration on greenhouse gases by Gore and others is having an effect: the U.S. public for instance is much more aware of the problem this election year than it was in 2004. At the same time, dealing with the effects of climate change has not been a liberal issue, although I believe it is getting to be a conservative one.

 But sustainability is a survival strategy, and should appeal to both sides.  I've always contended that the issue of "waste not" cuts across political and generational lines.  I've seen it work in individual states where recycling (whatever its technical problems)succeeded with the public, though the experts said that in a throwaway society, people wouldn't support it.    

"The end of all intelligent analysis is to clear the way for synthesis." H.G. Wells "It's not dark yet, but it's getting there." Bob Dylan