Essay on Climate Change and US Policy
Essay on Climate Change and US Policy
## Introduction
Climate change has become the biggest global challenge of today’s era. In the last few decades, the Earth’s temperature has increased rapidly, due to which glaciers are melting, the sea level is rising, and weather cycles are changing unpredictably. Scientists believe that all these changes are happening mainly due to human activities, including excessive use of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial pollution.
The US, which is the world’s largest economy and the second largest carbon emitter, can play a major role in dealing with climate change. The policies of the US government not only affect the environment of its country, but also give direction to global climate action. In this article, we will discuss in detail the current state of climate change, the history of US climate policies, current efforts and future challenges.
## Climate Change: Global Crisis
### Causes of Climate Change
The major causes of climate change include:
1. Emission of greenhouse gases – Gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) are accumulating in the atmosphere and increasing the temperature of the Earth. These gases are mainly released from the burning of fossil fuels like coal, petrol, and diesel, vehicle smoke, and industrial processes.
2. Deforestation – Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, but this natural balance is getting disturbed due to large-scale deforestation.
3. Industrialization and urbanization – Air pollution and heat are increasing due to factories, cars and increasing urbanization.
### Effects of Climate Change
Climate change is causing many serious consequences around the world:
– Rising temperatures and heat waves – America and Europe are experiencing record-breaking heat every year, leading to health problems.
– Abnormal weather events – Disasters such as more storms, floods, droughts, and forest fires are increasing.
– Rising sea levels – Melting glaciers are increasing the risk to coastal cities.
– Impact on agriculture and food security – Changing weather patterns are affecting crop yields.
The direct impact of these changes is being seen in America as well. Forest fires in California, severe winters in Texas, and frequent storms in Florida are worrying signs of climate change.
## US Climate Policy: Historical Perspective
The US climate policy has seen many ups and downs. Different administrations have taken different approaches:
### 1. Early Attempts (1990s)
– In 1992, the US signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which aimed to control greenhouse gases.
– The Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997, which set emission reduction targets for developed countries. However, the US did not sign it.
### 2. Obama Administration (2009-2017) – Accelerating Climate Action
– Clean Power Plan (2015) – Planned to limit emissions from coal plants.
– Joining the Paris Agreement (2015) – The US set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% by 2025.
### 3. Trump Administration (2017-2021) – Retreat in policies
– Withdrawn from the Paris Agreement – Trump called it “harmful to the American economy”.
– Promoted fossil fuels – Facilitated coal and oil industries.
### 4. Biden Administration (2021-present) – Re-emphasis on climate action
– Rejoined the Paris Agreement
– Inflation Reduction Act (2022) – $369 billion invested in clean energy
– Target of 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030
## Current climate efforts of the US
### 1. Promoting clean energy
– Solar and wind power – The US is the second-largest renewable energy producer in the world.
– Promoting electric vehicles (EVs) – Companies like Tesla have transformed the EV market.
### 2. Reduction in carbon emissions
– Emphasis on shutting down coal plants and adopting pollution control technologies.
### 3. International cooperation
– Climate finance – Providing funds to help developing countries switch to clean energy.
## Challenges and criticisms
– Political division – The Republican Party often opposes climate policies.
– Pressure from the fossil fuel industry – Oil and coal companies influence policies.
– Lack of global cooperation – Need for coordination with countries like China and India.
## Conclusion
Climate change is a global crisis to deal with which America should take the lead. The solution to this problem is possible only through steps like clean energy, carbon tax, and international cooperation. We all have to make efforts together; only then will we be able to create a safe future for the coming generations.
