Obama had strong words for those who would say that addressing climate change would decimate industry in our country.
“We don’t have time for a meeting of the flat earth society”
The President introduced his plan to fight climate change in a highly anticipated speech this afternoon. His speech was bold and went a long way to address the issues that are facing our planet.?He started by addressing detractors stating that,?”Americans across the country are already paying the price for inaction.” We have already seen global temperatures rise and atmospheric carbon reach 400 ppm. We are seeing the effects of climate change in our country, including an increase in severe weather events.
His speech was not short on actionable items for us all but he had particularly harsh words for Congress as their inaction and partisanship has delayed any meaningful changes for America.
The President’s plan also calls for a significant increase in renewable energy sources and an end to subsidies for oil companies. He also stated that he would not approve the Keystone XL pipeline if it increases carbon emissions which drew cheers from the audience and those on social media. Including this tweet from Senator Bernie Sanders:
Obama had strong words for those who would say that these changes with decimate industry in our country.?”The problem with all of these tired excuses for inaction is that is suggests a fundamental lack of faith in American business and American ingenuity.” He pointed out that those same arguments were put forth when the Clean Air Act was passed but the industries effected were not decimated as predicted and we were able to make progress on cleaning the air we breathe.
Unfortunately, the President did not address the dangers of fracking and instead gave his tacit approval of the process. Fracking as a method of natural gas extraction has been linked with contamination of ground water sources?so it isn’t a solution to our energy problems. We need to look to renewables instead. Overall though, the President’s speech was encouraging to those who are fighting for stronger action on Climate Change. Now it is up to us to continue the fight for the health of our planet.
