After Molly mentioned Obama is one of her posts, I was interested in seeing his environmental accomplishments as president. In June, Obama announced a plan to cut carbon pollution, help with international climate change, and prepare for the consequences of climate change. In his second inaugural address, he promised that America will lead against climate change. However, this hasn't exactly happened. He has made some progress but not quite as much as he promised. One of Obama's biggest interferences is the unwillingness of the Congress. There are many congressmen that don't think climate change is an issue or don't even believe that global warming exists. Also, many people believe that environmental changes will hurt the economy because of large costs and cutting jobs. Others think it would also hurt our competition with other countries such as China.
Obama said, "We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that failure to do so would betray our children and future generations." I think that he should be focused on the environment more, however, he is definitely trying and he obviously understands that not doing anything will have serious repercussions. Since the start of his presidency, emissions have declined about ten percent which is a start but not enough. Still, it is very difficult when a large number of Congress is against him. I think that as years go on, environmental laws and politics will improve. However, I fear that it will be too late.
As generations go by, I think politicians' attitude towards climate change will improve as the situation becomes more dire. The current congress is so stubborn. I can only hope that government support will greaten in the future.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jenny that the attitude towards climate change will improve over time. I do, however, believe that a lot of responsibility lies in Obama's hands in making sure that it does become an important point in politics.
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