We Have ONE Earth, Why Won't Donald Trump Save It? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

We Have ONE Earth, Why Won't Donald Trump Save It?

What is the U.S willing to do to stop climate change?

153
We Have ONE Earth, Why Won't Donald Trump Save It?
Vox.com

It is safe to say that during the 2016 election, no one was confident in Trump's stance on climate change. Now 282 days in, it is clear that President Trump will not be making any positive actions towards saving our one green earth. Want proof? The following is three reasons why Trump's first nine months have already been detrimental to our planet:

1. EPA Disappearing from the White House Website

Following Trump's swearing-in, the White House website suffered major edits. Such edits included the scrapping of an entire section on climate change, complete with data, graphs and pictures of Barack Obama next to a melting ice cap, as well as the addition of a page titled: "An America first energy plan." The deleting of a website is just one example of Trump's attempt to bury climate change and mark it as a non-issue for the American people. Under Obama, issues such as carbon pollution, coal consumption, and methane emissions were in the forefront of his platform, working with the EPA to build a comprehensive plan to fight climate change. Trump appears to have no interest in continuing Obama's work and take part in a conversation about climate change. From Trump's staffers avoiding questions on global warming to Trump's own vague responses to the press, the EPA will continue to be a target after Trump's recent proposal of curbing their budget by 31%.

2. Pulling Out of the Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement, an agreement with the United Nations, "deals with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance starting in the year 2020." It was adopted by consensus in December of 2015, meaning it was President Obama who signed the United States into the agreement. In June, 2017, Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw the U.S from the agreement, which caused frustration from the EU. Under the agreement, Trump cannot withdraw until November of 2020. Trump explained that he would rejoin the Paris Agreement or a new treaty only on terms that would be better for American businesses and taxpayers. Trump's "America First" mantra is dangerous, especially when considering the Paris Agreement, which is an international attempt to save our planet. Trump's decision is a direct blow to environmentalists, many of whom have urged him to reconsider. The Paris Agreement holds the loyalty of every country but two: Syria and Nicaragua. Even North Korea signed. The United States is now one of three countries that will not commit to the Paris Agreement.

3. Response to Hurricanes Irma, Harvey and Maria

Hurricanes are abnormal. Let me say that again; hurricanes are ABNORMAL. Though it may not seem like it due to the last few months, one hurricane, let alone three major hurricanes in one month, is abnormal. Irma and Maria, category 5 hurricanes and hurricane Harvey, a category 3 hurricane all occurred within one month. It is my opinion that Trump and his administration have been inappropriately apathetic towards these devastating natural disasters. In particular, the U.S. government has not looked after Puerto Rico as they have Florida and Texas. It almost seems that Trump has forgotten that Puerto Rico is a part of the United States. From videos of Trump throwing paper towels into a sea of Puerto Rican victims to Trump insulting the Mayor of San Juan by calling her nasty, Trump seems to have no respect or sympathy for the people terribly affected by these hurricanes. The unusual string of record-breaking hurricanes has significantly altered public opinion. In a 2005 Post-ABC poll, taken a month after Hurricane Katrina, 39% of Americans said that climate change was a force involved in the intensity of hurricanes. Today, 55% believe that to be true. Trump's laid back approach to climate change is reflected in his lack of drive to help the hurricane victims. If stranded people without electricity or water isn't enough to light a fire under the Trump administration to pay attention to climate change, I don't know what will.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

185114
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

11408
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

455379
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25051
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments