Many people look forward to the 2024 US presidential election following the first debate between President Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Since climate change is a critical subject, the discussion will highlight the sharp differences between the two contenders' global and domestic climate policies.
(Photo: Getty Images/ Andrew Caballero-Reynolds)
What Biden Did About Climate Change: Progress and Problems
Since becoming president, Joe Biden has made action on climate change a top concern. His essential 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) invests heavily in green jobs, renewable energy, and energy conservation.
Because of the IRA, renewable energy, battery production, and home improvements that use less energy have all grown. These steps are needed to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and keep the economy growing again. These steps are necessary to reduce carbon gases and boost the economy.
Biden also made it harder to pollute. His government wants most new cars to be electric by 2032. Biden has also told coal plants and oil and gas companies that leak methane to cut down on their emissions by 2039.
People don't like Biden's plans to help the environment. Senator Joe Manchin fought against a tougher package of investments in climate change. The fact that the IRA doesn't include Chinese green technologies has caused people to worry about delays in reducing emissions.
Despite stating "no more drilling, period," Biden has supported significant oil and gas projects, notably the disputed Willow project in Alaska. Environmentalists oppose these options because they believe that developing fossil fuels weakens efforts to prevent climate change.
Trump's Record on Climate Change: Deregulation and Support for Fossil Fuels
Donald Trump's climate strategy as president was very different. Trump removed environmental rules that he thought were hindering business. His administration's decision to leave the Paris Agreement was a loss for the climate around the world.
President Trump vs Biden Debate:
— Jack Thompson (@onlythedeadknow) June 28, 2024
Biden continue to tell us their agendas. Repeatedly saying “climate change is an existential threat to humanity” and is our #1 threat. He’s been saying this since 2021 and since 2022 they have been considering a climate crisis emergency… https://t.co/WalfBwpWLd pic.twitter.com/8yrn3lpS2F
Trump prioritized the growth of the fossil fuel business. He agreed to the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines and drilling in the ocean. The Heritage Foundation's plan for a second Trump administration, Project 2025, encourages the use of fossil fuels and lowers policies implemented during Biden's tenure.
Trump has given false information about wind towers and said that electric cars will end the world. His government eliminated more than 100 environmental rules meant to cut down on greenhouse gases. If he wins again, Trump wants to eliminate Biden's limits on climate change and put fossil fuel development ahead of renewable energy.
The Planetary Stakes
Trump and Biden's climate initiatives will affect global futures. Through 2030, Biden wants to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2005 levels. Carbon Brief notes, however, that if Trump wins a second term, US emissions might increase by over four billion tons by 2030—twice as much as the global emissions reductions brought on by clean technology.
The next US president will significantly impact the world's climate, so their measures will be very important. Tonight's discussion is critical for voters to see how the candidates plan to deal with climate change. Trump wants to loosen rules and expand fossil fuel use, while Biden wants to increase green energy and lower pollution. Voting people should consider how their choice will affect the environment in the long run, as this election could impact the planet's future.
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