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.
