Why Will the 2020 Election Decide the Fate of the Environment?
Humans have caused a “global disaster.” Climate change has been a problem for many years, but it has only come to light in recent decades. We have continued to release carbon dioxide, greenhouse gasses, and other toxic chemicals into the atmosphere over and over again. We have become dangerously close to causing irreversible damage to our planet. Scientists predict we only have a few years to reverse our damage. Our glaciers are melting; our temperatures are rising.
What has Trump done so far to help climate change?
During Trump’s current term, he has financed coal and fossil fuel projects, repealed Obama’s clean power plan, withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, and allowed a wildlife refuge to domestic energy production. Trump is focused on creating more jobs and reducing taxes for Americans. All while rapidly warming the Arctic and affecting wildlife. He is currently denying climate change and would like to repeal federal policies created to reduce climate change.
What are Trump’s plans for his possible second term?
Trump has created an agenda for energy independence. As well as a goal to lead the world in clean water and air. He also would like to partner with other countries to clean our oceans. Those are both great goals to strive for, however, both of those will not happen if his plans to expand mining for coal and other fossil fuels takes place. He chooses to focus on creating new jobs and making sure taxes are not raised.
What had Biden done so far to help climate change?
Although Biden has never been president, he did work as the Vice President to Obama. Throughout his years as VP, he promoted natural gas and reducing our usage of fossil fuels. He has done a lot to bring awareness to this issue and has worked alongside Obama when passing new acts and programs to reduce climate change.
What are Biden’s plans for his possible first term?
Biden stated that the most important first step we can take is “to resume a leadership role in international climate-change efforts.” He has proposed the 2 trillion dollar Green New Deal, which is a plan to reduce, then eliminates all fossil fuel use, and go completely green. It would also be an investment in jobs and infrastructure. One of his main goals is to reach net-zero emissions before 2050. Biden is also opposed to mining in parks and other areas that are rich in wildlife.
Please take the time to research and understand more about climate change as we approach voting season — your vote matters!
Sources
“The Biden Plan to Build a Modern, Sustainable Infrastructure and an Equitable Clean Energy Future.” Joe Biden for President: Official Campaign Website, 5 Aug. 2020, joebiden.com/clean-energy/.
McKeever, Amy. “Trump Administration Relaxes Rules on Coal Plant Wastewater.” Latest: Trump Administration Relaxes Rules on Coal Plant Wastewater, 1 Sept. 2020, www.nationalgeographic.com/science/trackers/latest-trump-biden-environmental-policy-promises-actions/.
“Energy And Environment.” President Donald J. Trump’s Accomplishments, www.promiseskept.com/achievement/overview/energy-and-environment/.
“Trump Campaign Announces President Trump’s 2nd Term Agenda: Fighting for You!” Trump Campaign Announces President Trump’s 2nd Term Agenda: Fighting for You! | Donald J. Trump for President, www.donaldjtrump.com/media/trump-campaign-announces-president-trumps-2nd-term-agenda-fighting-for-you/.
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Edited by: Mehek Bhargava, Director of Research Bloggers