U.S leaders spar on climate change politics

By Leo De Picciotto ‘28
Environmental issues remain one of the leading topics of debate in American history.  Two influential U.S. leaders have differing views on the fate of our nation's environment and how to utilize it to its fullest. 

Vice President Kamala Harris has long stated that she believes climate change poses a threat that must be addressed urgently. As a district attorney throughout her career, she worked to protect the environment for communities that suffer from pollution. Harris claims, “I think it’s clear to me talking to young people around the country that there’s a huge opportunity to change the game.” 
On the other hand, President-Elect Donald Trump has been criticized for weakening environmental protections during his time in office. Roughly 74 counts of Trump impairing environmental protection have been documented. He has vowed to increase the production of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal.
Trump believes that humanity is not the leading cause of global warming and climate change. An example of his anti-climate change ideals was seen in a 2016 interview, he stated that he is, “not a great believer in man-made climate change.” He has also long rejected climate science, sometimes calling global warming a “hoax.” 
During his presidency, he vetoed 125 policies and regulations that would have strengthened our environment's defenses. In 2023, Trump claimed in an advertisement that President Biden was disinforming his efforts with electric vehicle policies, stating, “I saved the American auto industry once, and now I will save it again.”
Furthermore, Trump has broadcasted that he thinks scientists are uncertain about climate issues. In an interview with CBS News, he said, “‘I don’t think science knows’ about climate.” Trump does not move with urgency to improve the situation regarding climate change and other important issues. 
Similarly, he also wants to go after Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, a major bill to encourage clean energy and combat climate change.