The World Meteorological Organization released a report indicating that humankind has reached a new high in key climate change indicators. The Trump Administration has set a goal to roll back dozens of the country’s climate change regulations, including slashing climate programs, freezing federal funds, and eliminating more than 1,000 scientists in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Research and Development.
On his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order to pause wind generation capacity on federal land and waters. He also declared an energy emergency, urging oil and gas expansion–not that it comes as a surprise.
During his first term and the 2024 campaign, Trump voiced his contempt for climate change. He has withdrawn the country from the Paris Agreement twice, and expressed his desire to please the fossil fuel industry. And now, it’s a work in progress.
Lee Zeldin, the current administrator of the EPA, posted a video on X where he presented his plan on “Unleashing American Greatness,” promoting energy dominance and gutting environmental regulations, parts of what he calls “the green new scam.” Don’t even try to find the words “climate change” on the EPA website, they’re gone.
On the front of environmental protection, the stakes are high. With every year becoming the new record-hot year and the continuous rise of greenhouse gases levels, we are in uncharted territory. The increased temperatures and acidification of the ocean have disastrous effects for marine life and ecosystems, and the rising in sea level affects coastal communities.
The multiplication of extreme weather events intensified by climate change comes with a high economic and social price. The financial consequences on infrastructure, industries, and agriculture are huge. Further, the displacement and migration of people create disturbance in communities.
Today, Americans experience first-hand disagreements, with people leaving their state to escape future disaster. No doubt that those around us who’ve lost their house in the recent months are eager to see their lower utility bills promised by the new administration for their home.
Climate change and public health, which go hand in hand, our choices are crucial. After achieving progress through the efforts of environmental advocates and bipartisan agreements, a reversal would be detrimental to all of us.
As a society, do we prioritize saving money, but how much and for whose benefit, or saving lives, here and elsewhere? For those who think the latter is more important, there are some reasons to stay optimistic.
Every change of regulation requires a specific process, and many legal actions are ongoing or will follow to challenge some of the moves made by the new administration. Moreover, many businesses and companies are determined to be “greener” and to be earth-friendly.
Recent images provided by satellites show that the number of renewable energy sites all around the world is increasing, especially in the two largest emitters of greenhouse gases. The United States has almost tripled its solar and wind installations in eight years, while China has drastically expanded them on its territory. These advances are possible because these technologies have become more reliable and cheaper, making backtracking difficult.
This proves that we can do both at the same time. Saving money and saving lives.
More than speeches, we need common sense and action to unleash “American Greatness.”
