by Ashley Bonnette-Kim
Ashley is a rising 4th-year student at the University of Toronto and is pursuing a Specialist degree in Political Science.
Ashley is a rising 4th-year student at the University of Toronto and is pursuing a Specialist degree in Political Science.
Photo by Markus Spiske via Unsplash
Why is the United States not taking more action on climate change? This question has been at the center of political discussion for decades now. It seems like a question we shouldn’t even have to ask, since the Pew Research Center reports that 77% of the population believes it is important for the country to move towards sustainable energy.
Despite the majority opinion that change is a threat, others see the move towards sustainable energy as a frightening deviance from the norm, which could call their economic stability into question. They believe that it is more important to continue doing what has provided them economic stability (reliance on fossil fuels) and are unwilling to move towards the unknown - in order to protect the environment. For them it is simple - they are willing to sacrifice the environment.
If our democracy is to truly work then we must set aside political affiliation and come to work together. Majority opinion, as the basis of democracy, should influence everything from renewable energy to police reform.
As children of God, we are taught that the earth is a gift, crafted for us by God with the expectation that we take care of it in return. In Genesis 1:26 “God said Let us make humankind[c] in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth,[d] and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” To have dominion over the Earth is not to dominate it. God created all things and it is our job to care for Her creation, as we understand that all things are good in God’s eyes. This is a great responsibility at which we must admit we have failed. Reader, I am here to tell you that it is not too late. It is both possible and imperative that we take action now to save the Earth and all of God’s creations.
It is difficult to feel hopeful during this time. Recently, oil and gas drilling plans in the United States have sped up and are threatening the lives and sacred sites of indigenous communities. Especially during this time of COVID-19 it is important to remember that the indigenous community is one of the most at risk populations. The Navajo Nation has some of the highest per capita coronavirus cases in the world and an alternative lease plan pushing forward in New Mexico would open millions of acres of sacred land to fracking. This lease could cause up to 3,000 new fracking wells. This is devastating.
Although the government of the United States has failed to protect the government today it is important that we never give up hope and never forget that all of God’s creation is worth protecting. As we look towards a post-pandemic, we understand the effects of a falling economy but cannot ignore the truth in knowing that if we do not take action now, when will we? Despite our fears and the knowledge that we are embarking on the more difficult path, we must remember that the earth is worth it.
The United States can generate 90% clean energy by 2035, would create more than half a million jobs per year. Most of these jobs would come from wind and solar industries, with coal becoming obsolete while gas generation would be reduced by 70%. These numbers sound amazing, almost like a dream. But 2035 seems like a lifetime away when sacred lands are being destroyed daily and people value their money more than God’s earth.
Japan recently invested $2.7 trillion dollars into a green virus recovery plan which transitions towards clear transportation, increases energy savings, and boosts the production of renewable energy. This is a clear example of how it is possible for us to move forward in both an economically sound and environmentally clean way. If Japan can do it, of course the United States can too.
Most of the population believes in sustainable energy and a future in which the United States runs on green energy. There is power and solidarity in the understanding that millions of American’s stand together and climate deniers are not as strong a force we believe them to be. Change in the United States is simple. Our elected officials and policymakers are there to listen to us and to make the changes we demand. Make yourself known as a citizen of the United States and as a child of God.
I believe that we can come away from COVID-19, with plans for a better future. We cannot afford to be silent or fearful.
Despite the majority opinion that change is a threat, others see the move towards sustainable energy as a frightening deviance from the norm, which could call their economic stability into question. They believe that it is more important to continue doing what has provided them economic stability (reliance on fossil fuels) and are unwilling to move towards the unknown - in order to protect the environment. For them it is simple - they are willing to sacrifice the environment.
If our democracy is to truly work then we must set aside political affiliation and come to work together. Majority opinion, as the basis of democracy, should influence everything from renewable energy to police reform.
As children of God, we are taught that the earth is a gift, crafted for us by God with the expectation that we take care of it in return. In Genesis 1:26 “God said Let us make humankind[c] in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth,[d] and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” To have dominion over the Earth is not to dominate it. God created all things and it is our job to care for Her creation, as we understand that all things are good in God’s eyes. This is a great responsibility at which we must admit we have failed. Reader, I am here to tell you that it is not too late. It is both possible and imperative that we take action now to save the Earth and all of God’s creations.
It is difficult to feel hopeful during this time. Recently, oil and gas drilling plans in the United States have sped up and are threatening the lives and sacred sites of indigenous communities. Especially during this time of COVID-19 it is important to remember that the indigenous community is one of the most at risk populations. The Navajo Nation has some of the highest per capita coronavirus cases in the world and an alternative lease plan pushing forward in New Mexico would open millions of acres of sacred land to fracking. This lease could cause up to 3,000 new fracking wells. This is devastating.
Although the government of the United States has failed to protect the government today it is important that we never give up hope and never forget that all of God’s creation is worth protecting. As we look towards a post-pandemic, we understand the effects of a falling economy but cannot ignore the truth in knowing that if we do not take action now, when will we? Despite our fears and the knowledge that we are embarking on the more difficult path, we must remember that the earth is worth it.
The United States can generate 90% clean energy by 2035, would create more than half a million jobs per year. Most of these jobs would come from wind and solar industries, with coal becoming obsolete while gas generation would be reduced by 70%. These numbers sound amazing, almost like a dream. But 2035 seems like a lifetime away when sacred lands are being destroyed daily and people value their money more than God’s earth.
Japan recently invested $2.7 trillion dollars into a green virus recovery plan which transitions towards clear transportation, increases energy savings, and boosts the production of renewable energy. This is a clear example of how it is possible for us to move forward in both an economically sound and environmentally clean way. If Japan can do it, of course the United States can too.
Most of the population believes in sustainable energy and a future in which the United States runs on green energy. There is power and solidarity in the understanding that millions of American’s stand together and climate deniers are not as strong a force we believe them to be. Change in the United States is simple. Our elected officials and policymakers are there to listen to us and to make the changes we demand. Make yourself known as a citizen of the United States and as a child of God.
I believe that we can come away from COVID-19, with plans for a better future. We cannot afford to be silent or fearful.