by The Cowl Editor on November 9, 2017
Opinion
by Bridget Blain ’19
Opinion Staff
Climate change has quickly become one of the most significant and pressing world issues. The impacts of climate change are becoming more and more obvious and destructive.
On Friday, a report released by the U.S. Global Change Research Program stated that humans are the largest cause of climate change. The irony of this report is that it contradicts the beliefs of the Trump administration.
During Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and so far during his presidency, Trump has frequently downplayed climate change, claiming that it is a hoax.
Trump even went so far as to announce that he planned on withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, an international climate change agreement.
More recently, the Trump administration announced that they will work to end the Clean Power Plan, which was created by the Obama administration in an effort to cut down on carbon dioxide emissions.
The White House appears to be doing everything in its power to prevent any possible progress that could be made in creating more options for clean energy and stopping any further damage to our climate.
Trump has been focused on saving the fossil fuel industry, which he often promised to do while he was campaigning. It was, therefore, not too surprising when the announcement was made about ending the Clean Power Plan.
According to an article published by USA Today titled, “As globe warms, Trump doubles down on fossil fuels,” the Clean Power Plan “would undoubtedly result in less burning of coal, the dirtiest fuel. But coal was already in decline—with or without new environmental regulations—as utilities embraced cleaner-burning natural gas and alternatives such as wind and solar.”
Trump’s climate team ending the Clean Power Plan shows how dangerous their complete denial of climate change will be. Trump is attempting to save an industry that is already declining and has proven not to be the best option.
The Trump administration would rather promote the fossil fuel industry instead of considering the impact that humans have on the environment. The climate report released on Friday also shows how dangerous Trump’s views toward climate change are. It is hard to believe that the Trump administration will be able to deny climate change for much longer.
The White House would be wise to take the findings of the report issued by the government seriously. Urgent action needs to be taken if there is going to be any hope in alleviating the damage that has already been done due to our environment and to prevent further chaos.
It is troubling that the findings in this report, which was ultimately released by the White House, directly contradicts what they have claimed about climate change. In order for any progress to be made, Trump and his climate team need to seriously consider the harmful effects that climate change has had on this planet, and what will continue to happen if action is not taken immediately.
In light of this report, it is crucial that the White House admits the impact that humans are having on the state of our planet, and urges the U.S. to take responsibility. If Trump continues to ignore the findings of this report, it is scary to think about the consequences we might face.