TL/DR –
The article discusses the contrasting approaches of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on addressing climate change. Biden’s administration has focused on reducing greenhouse emissions and global temperatures, which included securing the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act that invested in a green manufacturing base and offered incentives for electric cars and home energy upgrades. On the other hand, Trump, during his campaign, championed the fossil fuel industry and opposed incentives for electric cars and green power, expressing a desire to increase drilling for fossil fuels.
Climate Change: Stark Contrast between Trump and Biden
There is a striking contrast in addressing climate change between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. As president, Biden has prioritized the mitigation of growing greenhouse emissions and rising global temperatures. In 2022, Biden successfully passed the landmark Inflation Reduction Act, investing billions in green manufacturing and offering financial incentives for electric car purchases and home energy upgrades.
On the contrary, Trump, who withdrew the US from the Paris climate agreement and squandered American climate leadership, is campaigning as a fervent supporter of the fossil fuel industry pledging to expand drilling. He has reportedly sought $1 billion in campaign backing from the fossil fuel industry, promising to halt federal incentives for electric cars and fight against green energy.
Biden’s Climate Initiatives
Rolling Stone spoke with Ali Zaidi, the National Climate Advisor in the Biden administration, about the significant progress made in combatting climate change during Biden’s tenure. The 2024 election represents a critical “inflection point” in the nation’s ability to curb global emissions.
The previous administration had exited the Paris Climate Agreement, initiated nearly 200 regulatory rollbacks, and left the EPA hollowed out. This resulted in a curtailed capacity to produce any of the solutions that climate change demands, from battery technology to solar, leaving the U.S. with diminished global standing, and a reduced economic capacity.
The Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act
The Biden administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act, investing close to $400 billion in green technology and emissions reductions policies.
Visible transformations include the sourcing of solar panels, batteries, and wind turbines in America. The transportation sector has seen a doubling of charging stations and quadrupling of electric vehicle deployment. Biden’s incentives have made these vehicles affordable for middle- and lower-income Americans.
The first-ever national network of green banks has been established to finance home improvements for energy efficiency. This move, though below the radar, is a significant one.
Civilian Climate Corps Initiatives
The Civilian Climate Corps is an exciting opportunity for young people to get job training and engage with climate issues. The first class will have 20,000 members, offering roles like solar installer, LIDAR technician, mangrove restorer, and wildfire risk manager.
Meeting Biden’s Emission Reduction Target
Biden’s goal of cutting America’s peak climate emissions in half by 2030 is on track, with current estimates at 40-47%. Success, however, depends on a second term, as reversing the Inflation Reduction Act and impeding regulatory agencies will significantly increase emissions.
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