On April 22nd, tens of thousands all over the globe took part in the March for Science in order to show support for scientists and raise awareness about climate change. In the United States especially, the disregard for this scientific fact has concerned citizens and scientists alike:
according to the New York Times, U.S President Donald Trump's new budget would cut funding for the environmental protection agency, or EPA, by 31%. These budget cuts especially focus on the EPA’s Office of Research and Development, and would undermine the agency's ability to continue research into extremely important topics such as climate change and air quality. This comes at a time when politicians claim that climate change doesn't exist despite prolific scientific evidence. The idea of “fake news”, popular in today's politics, could be lethal when it comes to the environment. In the recent crises in Flint Water Crises, Water in Flint, Michigan contained 7 times more lead than the EPA limit. This resulted in negative effects on the heart, lungs, and kidneys-- especially in children or pregnant women-- for Flint’s residents. However, President Trump’s new budget proposal cuts down funding for grants that help states monitor water quality by almost 30 million dollars. The budget also reduces funding for the enforcement of pollutant laws and makes it harder for the EPA to properly hold companies responsible for damage. Although the EPA will have fewer resources for civil and criminal enforcement, Scott Pruitt, the new EPA administrator, will be receiving increased funds for personal security (NY Times). Scott Pruitts’ appointment as EPA administrator spells trouble for the future of our planet. On April 13th, Pruitt called for the U.S to exit the Paris Climate Accords, an international agreement to make efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Washington Post, Mr. Pruitt considers the agreement “a bad deal for America”; President Trump has already issued an executive order to rolled back President Obama's Clean Power Plan. Pruitt has also said that humans do not have a major impact on the environment. Furthermore, Pruitt recently violated the Hatch Act, which limits the political activity of high ranking government employees in order to keep them from being influenced by partisan political agendas. Pruitt accepted an invitation to an Oklahoma Republican Party Gala, where he will be a main speaker and help raise money, giving the impression that people who attend the gala will gain inside information and an input on government policy. Additionally, Pruitt illegally hid correspondence that proves he was cooperating with oil and gas industries in Oklahoma. The EPA has become to politicians, more than it already was, a way to gain political power and promote an agenda, and in a time where our planet is rapidly warming and being polluted, this is an ever more pressing issue. As former EPA administrator Gina McCarthy said, “Preventing the greatest consequences of climate change is imperative to the health and well-being of all of us who call Earth home.” And in the end, there are much larger things at stake than the “america first” mindset that President Trump’s administration has adopted. For those interested in participating, a Climate March will be held April 29th across the U.S to call attention to climate change.
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By Anna MaherAnna is a contributor to the Hallway Herald and passionate about journalism. She appreciates any tips on her writing. ArchivesCategories |