Protestors demonstrate at the People’s Climate March in Washington, D.C., on April 29.
While scientists have proven that the global temperature of the earth is changing, there still remains skepticism as to whether production of fossil fuels is escalating the global warming process. Scientists have discovered evidence suggesting that humans are increasing the effects of global warming, and they haves also taken action against further use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Although their efforts to increase awareness for the climate change issue have been relatively fruitful, their attempt to produce environmental-friendly policy change within the government has been less successful.
In order to combat this disconnect, environmentalists are attempting to raise awareness of this issue through marches, protests, and petitions. However, since the election of President Donald Trump P ’00, things have become more complicated for the environmental community.
Since the turn of the century, many organizations such as 350.org, The People’s Climate Movement, and IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) have been fighting against the use of fossil fuels, and they have used scientific evidence to support their cause. One example is a National Geographic study that found that by the summer of 2040, there will be no ice left in the Arctic Ocean. Although there is clear evidence that the earth’s climate is changing, little had been done about the steady increase in global temperature until former President Barack Obama released his climate action plan in June 2013. His plan imposed regulations on the emissions of greenhouse gases, which greatly reduced the overall release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Thus, companies had to resort to other methods to create energy that were within Mr. Obama’s climate action plan, such as solar and wind power, both of which harm the environment less than oil and coal. Before Mr. Obama’s plan, the United States was responsible for 80% of the total amount of fossil fuel consumed every year — however, since it was implemented, that amount has decreased.
Recently, America’s current President Trump P ’00 has dismantled Mr. Obama’s climate action plan, leaving companies with the capability to produce unlimited fossil fuel. Additionally, he has permitted the production of the Dakota Access Pipeline — a 1,172-mile oil pipe stretching from North Dakota to Illinois. This pipeline will endanger animals, as well as harm the environment. The Obama administration declined to build this pipeline, but now Mr. Trump has signed an executive order demanding its production.
These actions have left environmentalists and concerned citizens angry with Mr. Trump. Already, hundreds of people have gathered in North Dakota and marched to show their resentment for the production of the pipeline. Furthermore, on the 100th day of Mr. Trump’s presidency, more than 300,000 people across the country joined together in a powerful movement against climate change.
This global movement must continue in order to pressure politicians to support environmental legislation. However, marches alone will not be enough to prevent any further climate effects. People within the government need to take action and prevent the increasing temperature of the earth. Otherwise, the destruction of Earth will be inevitable.
