President Donald Trump, his EPA administrator, and the Republican Party’s denial of the causes of global warming contradicts decades of research and analysis by international scientific institutions and federal agencies, including the E.P.A. (at least the former E.P.A.).
Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter if the global warming science is wrong. Pollution is the stuff, no matter its source, that is not a part of natures natural environment. Now it’s true that carbon dioxide is natural to our environment -- humans and plants in balance of nature give off carbon dioxide through respiration, making them a source of carbon dioxide, while plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Human activities, however, can change this delicate balance. When carbon dioxide is produced by burning fossil fuels, natures systems do not work together, and long term becomes dangerous. It will reach a point where there is no turning back.
So, whether or not global warming is caused by humans or whether global warming is a natural occurrence in nature, it is real. The United States needs to take action through regulatory controls. If we acknowledge the fact that global warming is real, regardless of responsibility or source, and not ignore it but embrace it, we can then manage it. But, any way you look at it, isn’t more important to be safe than sorry.
Robert Reich addresses the fact that Republicans or those who prefer to call themselves Conservatives, “don’t like regulation, or social insurance, and they don’t believe in climate change. But with large portions of America grappling with the effects of two of the worst hurricanes to hit in years, it’s time to have a frank discussion.
“We need strong building regulations to minimize the damage caused by intense storms, not weaker standards that favor real estate developers. But many communities in areas prone to flooding and hurricanes lack sufficient standards. For example, Houston has some of the weakest building regulations for structure in potential flood zones. Trump also wants to do away with additional flood-risk standards for federally funded infrastructure projects.
“Conservatives also love to rail against social insurance. They say, ‘people shouldn’t depend on the government!’ Well, the whole idea of social insurance is to pool our resources so they can help those in need, such as people in southeast Texas and Florida. And right now, there’s not nearly enough money to do the job with regard to just these two hurricanes. Bear in mind that before Harvey, Trump and the Republicans were getting ready to rescind nearly $876 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund.
“Then there's climate change. Scott Pruitt, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, says we shouldn’t be discussing climate change now. ‘To use time and effort to address it at this point is very, very insensitive’ he says. Insensitive? If we don’t talk about climate change now -- when the public’s attention is riveted on the consequences -- when are we going to talk about it and demand action? Isn’t this a teachable moment?
“The reality is Pruitt and Trump don’t want to talk about climate change ever. Trump has said climate change is a hoax. Pruitt’s E.P.A. has removed many mentions of climate change from its website and is rolling back regulations aimed at curbing carbon dioxide emissions. Even Florida Governor Rick Scott refuses to use the words ‘climate change.’
“Here’s the reality -- and none of us should be reluctant to say it -- and say now, clearly: Climate change is contributing to massive hurricanes and other damage. Ocean levels are rising, the seas are warming, and storms are becoming more intense. Anyone -- even Donald Trump and Scott Pruitt -- should be able to see this.
“The lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans are at risk as long as Trump and his administration continue to deny the existence of climate change and its impacts. Getting out of the Paris Accords and rolling back environmental protections are taking us into more and more dangerous territory -- for no reason but to satisfy an ideology that has no bearing on the real problems facing America.”
What Republicans in Dallas can teach us about saving the planet
By Rebecca Harrington
