In 1992, the United Nations framework convention on climate change had its ratification that some leading nations such as the US should report on the state of the world climate. Since then, the US has submitted its report on a timely manner. But this year’s report which was due January 1st 2018, the US has failed to submit its findings. It did not have any explanations nor time table for not doing so. So far the US has remained silent on this issue.
One environmental group has filed a lawsuit urging the US to sum it the report, but no significant results or progress have been made. The latest filing submitted by the justice department makes arguments that have ignored this important obligation. This certianinh is bad news for the world because the environmentalists heavily rely on the data reported by the US government, yet the current US policy refuses to report the data. A few of the other countries also have a similar practice, which makes the rest of the world puzzled if the major countries are actually living up with their pledges. The irony is that the US has long been the leader in setting up the rules, norms, and treaties related to the world economies. Now the US has indeed failed its obligation as a leader.
Some Americans have tried to fix the issue and problem left by the Trump Administration. They try to communicate with the United Nations actively claiming that the US is still in the game and is still willing to play a role in the world’s climate change. They want to cooperate. Their effort actually is quite significant. They form a coalition of the US cities, states, and businesses, as well as individuals and corporations, trying to lead the climate change reform. Even though the Trump Administration does not care. There report shows that the US is working hard and cooperating well to reach its emission standards by reducing by at least 26% by 2025. This issue has reviewed the fact that the Trump administration has not been fulfilling the role as a leader in the world affair.
I think that nothing much can be done by environmentalist groups, because ultimately, the president and his administration have to acknowledge and actively try to end climate change to create a large impact. With the Trump administration's denial of the existence of climate change, it makes sense why he isn't taking action and publishing a report. This unfortunately diminishes the prominence and importance of climate change, and will make environmental bills a lot harder to pass and take effect.
ReplyDeleteEven though you have a proportion of Americans who are trying to "fix the issue left by the Trump Administration," it is ultimately up to the president and his administration. Yes, it is always possible to create awareness even if the "leader" isn't acknowledging the problem. Regarding other nations, I feel as if President Trump and his administration has planted many doubts of our credibility in their minds. I just hope something will change for the better before America gets stuck in a hole they can't dig out of.
ReplyDeleteHis actions clearly side with his morals. He constantly neglects the fact that climate change exists and claims it is a hoax. It would make sense for his administration to not release the yearly report. The horrible thing about this is not even the fact that he is dismissing the effects of climate change, but essentially leaving environmentalists without information needed for their jobs.
ReplyDeleteI think it is really sad that the US is no longer in lead of this important issue: climate change. I believe that the government should take its responsibilities back and cooperate with the United Nations and other countries. Since US is such a powerful country, many countries look up to it. If the government continues to act this way, it will soon have impacts on others. After all, issues on environment is urgent and we must respond to it.
ReplyDeleteI find it hypocritical to have the US claiming to lead the world in environmental policies, yet have statements such as these directly contradict that by contributing nothing. Climate change is truly a universal issue, and the inability for our country to collaborate on a problem of this scale speaks to where our leaders' minds are. I believe there is a deterioration in the reputation of the United States in all fronts, but after withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accords and the promises to resurrect the coal industry, it's clear that our leaders are more focused on the money rather than the consequences.
ReplyDeleteIt is truly disappointing that the US is neglecting the issue of climate change, and it ultimately a reflection of the unprofessionalism and carelessness exhibited by the leaders of our country. More and more it seems like the leaders of our country are leaving climate change as a problem for the next generation to deal with/ a problem to deal with once the damage is irreversible.
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