With its effects on ecosystems, businesses, and communities all across the world, climate change has emerged as one of the most important challenges of our day.
The confluence of politics and climate change in the US has produced a complicated and frequently divisive environment. The American political system is deeply split on this issue, with significant divisions existing between the two major parties.
Democrats typically place a higher priority on climate action, supporting measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions, switch to renewable energy sources, and support global accords like The Paris Accord.
Climate change has become a top priority for President Joe Biden's administration, which has set lofty objectives to attain net-zero emissions by 2050, rejoin the Paris Agreement, and propose large investments in renewable energy and green infrastructure.
However, a lot of Republicans argue that economic concerns should take precedence over environmental rules and are often skeptical about the extent to which humans are causing climate change.
The United States has encountered formidable obstacles in its attempts to enact comprehensive climate legislation. Strong climate legislation is difficult to pass because of the Senate's bipartisanship, which frequently necessitates compromise.
Nonetheless, some impactful initiatives have been accomplished, such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which has measures for lowering carbon emissions, encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, and funding scientific advancements in climate science.
Numerous governments have independently acted to tackle climate change at the state and local levels. Strong climate policies have been established by states such as California, New York, and Washington, which have set high targets for renewable energy and adopted carbon pricing mechanisms. These acts demonstrate how crucial subnational management is when there is no unified federal policy.
In the United States, public opinion on climate change is moving more and more in favor of action. According to surveys, the majority of Americans accept that climate change is happening and are in favor of actions that address it.
In addition to increasing awareness, youth activism has been essential in getting lawmakers to take action. Millions of young people have become involved in the Sunrise Movement or Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for Future to demand immediate action on climate change. Their campaigning has aided in changing the political conversation and bringing climate change to the table in the U.S. as well as outside of it. After this, many teens have taken action through clubs at school and organizations - raising money, awareness, and support to this cause.
In international climate politics, the United States is a major player. Its policies and actions have a significant impact on global efforts to combat climate change because it is one of the biggest producers of greenhouse gasses.
The United States has also promised financial assistance to underdeveloped nations so they can transition to sustainable energy sources and prepare for the effects of climate change. Nonetheless, because of the recent policy reversals, there is still a lack of confidence abroad in American leadership on climate change. In spite of its own political upheavals, the world community is keenly observing whether the United States can continue to pursue an ambitious and stable climate agenda.
Despite the fact that this fight has gained momentum over time, it still lacks awareness, support, and zeal.
Sources:
“Home.” Fridays for Future USA, fridaysforfutureusa.org/.
Sunrise Movement. “Sunrise Movement.” Sunrise Movement, 2019, www.sunrisemovement.org/.
UNFCCC. “The Paris Agreement.” United Nations Climate Change, United Nations, 2015, unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement.
U.S. Department of the treasury. “Inflation Reduction Act.” U.S. Department of the Treasury, 25 Jan. 2024, home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/inflation-reduction-act.
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