climate change Archives — Page 2 of 2

Politics and Policy

US doesn’t need Paris agreement to play ball on climate

Written by Jared Wolf November 9, 2020February 6, 2023

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The scoop: Biden vowed to sign the Paris agreement in his first day in office. As an environmentalist, I think it's all hype no action.

Why Paris no bien:

It's a pledge, not a policy. There's no binding enforcement mechanism. So a country like Russia or Mexico can agree to it, but it doesn't hold them accountable.
It lets China off the hook. China, the #1 carbon emitter in the world, can hide behind the US if we re-join it. If the US led the world on climate policy without Paris, it would expose China's energy reality (they are slated to make up nearly half of global coal demand in 2024).

Bottom line: We get it, Trump sucks and he left the Paris agreement so the Paris agreement must be amazing. Well, the Paris agreement is ultimately not that significant in terms of climate action. Policy reform > pretty pictures

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Lifestyle
People
Thinking

Environmental issues are a matter of people too

Written by Radhika Goyal June 10, 2020July 3, 2020

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What to know

Wealthy countries are perpetuating climate issues, but the strongest impact is felt in poorer nations.
Between 1850 and 2011, developed countries accounted for 79% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
Developing countries in South Asia, Africa, The Caribbean and Latin America are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves but have limited resources to recover or avert these crises,leading to poverty and conflict.
By 2050, there could be 140 million climate change migrants.

Why it Matters

Climate change and social justice are inextricably linked
As we work towards a more sustainable planet, we need to focus on solutions that also address global inequality as a contributing factor.

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Politics and Policy

Your Vote Matters against Climate Change

Written by Radhika Goyal June 9, 2020April 26, 2023

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How environmental policy works

Congress enacts laws that enable federal agencies to create environmental regulations
Under the President’s guidance, the EPA Administrator sets national standards
State and local governments create and implement the actual policies
State-level policies can support investment in green energy.
Local officials set water policy to provide residents access to clean water.

Why your vote matters

By electing city council members, state congresspeople and representatives who champion environmental policies, voters can make their environmental concerns heard.

The bottom line

If voters prioritize climate change, politicians will too.
Though you may feel your vote doesn’t matter in elections, it does.

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People
Politics and Policy

Making the case for a green stimulus

Written by Riley DeBaecke June 4, 2020July 7, 2020

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The scoop: Given recent developments in fiscal policy, there is a compelling case to be made for a green stimulus package.

The proposal: Create millions of family-sustaining career-track green jobs, deliver strategic investments, Expand public and employee ownership, Make rapid cuts to carbon pollution

Bottom line: The Green Stimulus plan must decidedly advocate for ambitious measures and well-reasoned policies to correct the egregious destruction of American land and improve workers’ conditions nationwide. We must follow suit after several European countries’ green stimulus packages; the world is watching.

Energy and Environment

Pacific Islanders hold their breath for climate action

Written by Cassidy Schwartz April 27, 2020February 6, 2023

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Big picture Did you know that 44 nations could disappear under the sea within your lifetime? Pacific Islanders face a desperate need for climate action.

What to know Back in 2017, I had the privilege to attend as a student observer at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) International Conference of the Parties (COP 23) in Bonn, Germany.

The most striking presentation involved a group of representatives of the SIDS (small island developing states). The Pacific Climate Warriors spoke about the urgency of their daily and ever-present struggle against climate change.

A 2008 UN report found that the response of island nations to climate change is largely project-based, ad hoc, and heavily dependent on external resources. Australia and New Zealand have contributed financial support to adaptation efforts.

Bottom line For Pacific Islanders, climate action is more than just a school project, it is an existential threat.

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