A Climate Institute Publication
Equally as important is that while the current administration has its own views on climate change and global warming, cities are taking it upon themselves to fulfill the last administration’s commitments.
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The keynote speaker, Kristalina Georgieva, CEO of the World Bank group spoke regarding the economic value of going green. She spoke of the World Bank’s work in spreading renewable energy around the world, saying that some of the best work they’ve done is helping to start what is now a billion dollar solar power industry in China as well as an investment in India for Solar energy.
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On June 6, Scott Pruitt, administrator of the US Environmental Protection agency sent a letter to governors extending the deadline to declare areas that do not meet the federal standard for ground-level ozone. The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were devised in 2015 under the Obama administration and this latest decision to extend the deadline has been met with varying reactions.
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Over 6000 people participated in the conference bringing together people from all corners of the world to work on something that connects us all. The conference ended on a positive note with people feeling optimistic about the potential, a more positive note for global environmental work after the United States, a country with high levels of pollution and environmental impact, recently withdrew from the Paris Agreement.
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Hawaii has also joined other states, Washington, California, Virginia and New York, that remain committed to the goals set in Paris. While the actions of one state alone may not make up for the effects that could be achieved as a nation, Governor Ige’s actions prove that regardless of our administration’s stance on climate change, Americans are still willing to do what it takes to combat the effects of climate change however they can.
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Former New York City Mayor and current UN cities and climate ambassador, Michael Bloomberg, committed $15 million from his charitable organization to support the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to make up for lost funding after President Trump’s announced the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord.
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Environmental initiatives pioneered by colleges and universities serve as models for society at large. Colleges and universities are unique in their ability to bring the full array of disciplines to bear on the problem of climate change. Thus, higher education institutions have the responsibility to train students across the disciplines so that they may lead the way in developing solutions to this global challenge.
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If passed, this bill will severely limit the power and influence of the Clean Water Act, which was passed in 1972 and amended during the Obama administration (1). Specifically, S.340 would loosen regulations on pesticides used near water sources by reducing permit requirements (1).
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Macron then spoke of national security implications posed by climate change. “If we do nothing, our children will know a world of migrations, of wars, of shortage. A dangerous world.”
He concluded his statement by spinning a familiar phrase to provide a united and global purpose. “We are fully committed, because wherever we live, whoever we are, we all share the same responsibility: Make our planet great again.”
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Yes, actions will be needed to moderate the economic impacts on those such as coal miners and others whose back-breaking efforts have gotten our economy to its present state of development, but going back to out-dated approaches while all the rest of the world is rapidly moving to new approaches is simply not the path to “Make America Great Again.” The US needs to rely on its creativity and inventiveness to lead, not close our eyes to the opportunities the future provides.
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