By Jennifer Nantais
Many Canadians were glued to their televisions for a week in early November anxiously awaiting the results of the U.S. election. This has been a contentious one, with more citizens voting than during any other in American history. I myself was among those who could bring themselves to think of nothing else, and have been asked several times why as a Canadian I awaited these results with bated breath along with my neighbors to the South. See what I did there? #grammarnerd
This has arguably been the most important election of our lifetime, to determine which of two very different administrations will govern for the next four years. While American voters are divided over human health, immigration, reproductive rights, racism and many other issues, environmentalists around the world are paying attention. U.S. climate action is crucial as they are a major contributor to greenhouse gases as well as an economic power and social influencer. Their commitment could reverberate around the world.
Deregulation
The Republican Party historically supports less governmental oversight in exchange for more freedom for individuals and industry. However, the rate of deregulation by the current administration has been unprecedented. Recent years have witnessed the roll back of policies pertaining to everything from air, water, wetlands, wildlife, industrial emissions, vehicle emission standards, methane and the protection of natural areas. These decisions could bring about unimagined long-term impacts for humans and the rest of the planet.
Cooperation
In 2019 Trump filed to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord. As of November 2020 they are no longer a member. He suggested that the country would set its own limits and make its own rules, which it has not done.
This administration also filed their intention to withdraw from the World Health Organization during a global pandemic. These decisions show a resistance to oversight, reluctance to cooperate, and little interest in sacrifice for the greater good.
A New Administration
The president elect commits to rejoin the Paris Agreement as soon as possible and campaigned on a two trillion dollar plan to combat climate change by investing in clean energy by 2035, meet 2050 targets, and invest in renewable energy research and technology.
Potential partnership with the Canadian government aims to reduce vehicle emissions and support electric vehicles, which could impact industry and result in new jobs and reduced emissions.
The Biden plan includes a commitment to permanently protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, an 8 million hectare region in Alaska. Congress passed the Tax Act of 2017, which gave the administration authority to sell oil and gas leases in the refuge, and the Trump administration is planning to schedule a lease auction on January 18th, just days before leaving office.
Biden also said he would push for a global moratorium on offshore drilling in the arctic, and strive toward a future that doesn’t depend on fossil fuels.
A New Hope
While no political party is doing enough to protect our environment, an administration that believes in science and the science behind climate change is a welcome development. They have committed to reverse recent rollbacks, and hopefully they will have the support in the house, in the senate and from the citizens to make positive changes.
As 2020 is drawing to a close, people all over the world are reflecting on what they’ve lost and what matters most in an unpredictable world. Whatever your politics or nationality, keep talking, writing, volunteering and letting people know that the environment should be the number one issue on any political agenda. Greenhouse gases, pollution, habitat loss, extinction and climate change know no borders. Let’s hope this development is a step in the right direction on what promises to be a long journey.
Here’s hoping for a brighter 2021.
Happy Holidays!