Are you ready for the most anti-environment congress and president that America has ever seen? More specifically, are you ready to fight back?
There are many ways to respond and many causes that need attention. I'm joining Team Sierra to fight for safe air and water, renewable energies, and community access to the outdoors.
Team Sierra is a new initiative launched by the Sierra Club that enables people who care about the environment to create their own fundraising events. Organize a group hike, run with a purpose, dance, bake, or do something else that brings friends, family, and coworkers together. There are many ways to make a positive impact.
What's at stake if we don't act? Congress and the Trump administration intend to say au revoir to the Paris Agreement, America's pledge to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and work with other nations to limit global warming. They want to destroy the Clean Power Plan, an Obama achievement to limit carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. Trump's so-called plan to 'end the war on coal' means destroying EPA controls on air and water pollution from America's dirtiest fuel. A large percentage of coal mines are on public land. Until now, millions of acres have been off limits for mining in order to protect forests, animals, and natural wonders. Trump plans to open up all public land to coal and oil mining. Just imagine how bigly (or big league) this will mess up our planet. Trump wants to end federal research for things like renewable energy, electric cars, batteries, and efficiency. Renewable energy tax credits could disappear. New cars could be worse for the environment than current models if Trump turns back miles-per-gallon standards. Trump will weaken America's ability to constrain emissions and develop cutting edge technologies. Expect all of Trump's hires and judicial appointments to oppose environmental safeguards. Trump's pick to head the EPA has built his career as a 'climate change skeptic.' That must be great for his own wealth, but it's terrible for Earth and the people who live on this planet.
This is an incomplete list of the challenges ahead. Experience (while not needed to serve as president) could prove vital in the environmental battles we face. Team Sierra raises funds on behalf of the Sierra Club, an environmental organization whose mission is to explore, enjoy, and protect our planet. The Sierra Club was founded by John Muir and they’ve been champions for the environment for nearly 125 years. They’ve protected millions of acres of wilderness and helped pass the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. They’re leading the charge to move away from the dirty fossil fuels that cause climate disruption and toward a clean energy economy.
The threats to our environment are great. The defense of our planet must be even greater. If you're disturbed by the election results, Stand Together with Team Sierra and add your voices to the chorus that is singing out on the planet's behalf. I've joined Team Sierra. What will you do?
