Biden’s Climate Initiatives and Global Environmental Concerns
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Climate Action by the Biden Administration
In his first ten days in office, President Joe Biden has enacted 42 executive orders, five of which specifically address environmental issues. Here’s a breakdown of these significant actions:
- Executive Order for Climate Crisis Response: This directive emphasizes the urgency of the climate crisis, directing the Secretary of the Interior to halt new oil and natural gas leases on public lands and offshore. It calls for agencies to incorporate climate considerations into their operations, establishes a National Climate Task Force, and commits to environmental justice while promoting clean infrastructure. Biden highlighted that these decisions are expected to create jobs and support workers in vulnerable sectors like coal mining.
- Reestablishment of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology: This council will provide guidance on scientific and technological innovation policies.
- Memorandum on Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policies: This action guarantees robust funding for research programs, ensuring they adhere to scientific integrity. It also honors Biden's campaign promise to thoroughly review existing fossil fuel leases and programs.
- Rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement: Biden has re-entered this pivotal international accord aimed at combating climate change. John Kerry, the appointed climate envoy, has indicated that current commitments from various countries are insufficient to meet the target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Biden aims for the U.S. to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, a goal deemed ambitious yet attainable by experts.
- Executive Order on Public Health and Environmental Protection: This order cancels the Keystone XL pipeline and mandates a review of over 100 environmental actions taken during the Trump administration.
These initiatives reflect Biden's commitment to addressing climate change and are expected to be elaborated upon in upcoming briefings.
Video Description: This video covers President Biden's discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding a ceasefire and hostage negotiations, showcasing the intersection of climate and geopolitical issues.
Insights from the UNDP Climate Change Poll
The "People’s Climate Vote," conducted last year by the United Nations Development Programme and Oxford University, surveyed 1.2 million individuals across 50 countries. This included over half a million respondents under 18, representing a substantial segment of the global population aged 14 and above.
- Key Findings:
- Emergency Perception: 64% of participants view climate change as an emergency, with 59% advocating for urgent, comprehensive action.
- Youth Engagement: Among those aged 14-17, 69% expressed serious concern about climate change, while approximately two-thirds of adults aged 18-59 and 58% of seniors echoed similar sentiments.
- Preferred Actions: Respondents prioritized initiatives such as forest conservation (54%), renewable energy adoption (53%), climate-friendly agriculture (52%), investment in green jobs (50%), and promoting plant-based diets (30%).
The UNDP emphasizes that these results underscore a growing consensus on the climate emergency and the need for global action.
Recent Eruption of Mount Merapi Volcano
Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, erupted on January 27, 2021. The eruption's sounds were audible up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) away, blanketing nearby villages in ash. Scientists reported that the volcano emitted intense hot clouds multiple times, prompting authorities to heighten danger alerts and evacuate 2,000 residents to temporary shelters.
While no significant damage has been reported, many locals remain traumatized due to past eruptions, such as the one in 2010 that resulted in over 350 fatalities. In the wake of this recent activity, affected residents are selling livestock and seeking short-term employment to survive.
Stay tuned for more updates on pressing climate change and environmental justice issues.