America’s growing disregard for climate policy also undermines global efforts to address climate change.

The United States is currently a politically divided country, with many of its citizens exhibiting hyperpartisan tendencies. But as rhetoric continues to widen the divide in citizen discourse, many Americans do not follow one political party or another with any fidelity. However, right now those in power are the Republican Party, including Donald Trump, who is in his second presidential term.

Regarding how the Republican Party tends to view climate change, it is mostly represented by figures who engage in climate denial, including Trump. The Republican Party leans toward policies that further fossil-fuel-dependent industries. This is currently the case with Trump’s administration, which is supporting an agenda to kick oil and gas production into high gear. For example, a rule that Trump’s administration is considering repealing is the Roadless Rule, which, until now, has allowed vast tracts of land to remain roadless, preserving wilderness areas. However, Trump wants to repeal this rule so that oil and gas extraction can take place in wilderness areas such as Alaska, meaning that areas that have remained undisturbed for wildlife for decades are now being considered for destructive industries that will permanently ruin their habitats.

The Democratic Party tends to be more climate-friendly and views the need to address climate change much more strongly than Republicans do. Despite this, the Democrats in Congress have not made any effort during this administration to combat climate change. 

Currently, many youth vote because they view climate change as going to impact their futures. Although statistics show that people of color tend to be more concerned about the impacts of climate change, they are less likely to show up in the electorate and vote in the name of the environment compared to middle-class, white Americans. Research shows that climate change’s effects further historical inequalities. This means that those who are considered to be most impacted by climate change–who are people in marginalized groups–are going to be disproportionately affected by the changing environment. 

As the rest of the world moves forward with progressive climate policy, the United States continues to scale back its efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. America’s growing disregard for climate policy also undermines global efforts to address climate change.

It is devastating to see the United States not only lack climate-friendly policy, but also develop fossil fuel policies that support the destruction of the environment. The hope is that, maybe one day, this administration’s policies will influence the public to take action and vote against politicians who have been bought out by oil and gas. As climate change continues to devastate the United States and the world beyond, maybe we will begin to show up and fight against climate change collectively, supporting politicians who favor strong greenhouse gas mitigation policies.

This post was submitted by Climate Scorecard US Country Manager, Abby Carlson

Edited by Diana Gastelum.