The importance of bipartisanship
To respond effectively to climate change, it's essential that people in the states and around the world put aside partisan differences and act together, as a collective.
Even though there's disagreement on the causes and consequences of climate change, many Republican states have already taken steps to promote renewable energy in order to drive job growth. Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma have set ambitious targets for solar and wind power. Economic, environmental, and health benefits of renewables will benefit everyone, regardless of political affiliation.
The global economy is shifting towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal. If the U.S. stalls in transitioning to renewable energy at scale, we'll risk being left behind the growing market for clean energy technology. This is not an environmental issue alone - it's also a matter of economic security. If the states continue to rely on fossil fuels, other countries will increasingly turn to alternative suppliers, leaving the states vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets.
The costs associated with extreme weather events are projected to reach $38 trillion annually within 25 years. While some politicians may downplay the urgency of global warming, many politicians agree that the consequences of inaction will be catastrophic.
Democrats are more likely to believe that present-day climate change is caused from burning coal, oil, and natural gas and that a rapid transition to renewable energy is necessary in order to avoid catastrophic climate and ecological breakdown. Even if Republicans don’t agree with Democrats, producing EVS, solar, wind power, and geothermal, will help us remain a relevant economic power, create jobs, ensure cleaner air and water and, in turn, reduce healthcare costs.
By coming together across party lines, we can invest in renewable energy and build a sustainable, healthier, and more prosperous future for ourselves and generations to come. together we can
More Reading:
Politico, America’s clean energy rivals will take advantage of Trump 2.0, EU green chief says
Foreign Policy, Fossil Fuel's Downfall Could Be America's Too
NY Times, Trump Says Clean Energy Is a Scam. That Could Benefit China, Experts Say.
Sustainability by Numbers, Republican states are going strong on solar and wind, but not for the climate
