Today, Explained Hot topic
Aug 7, 2023
Zach Coleman, a climate and energy reporter at Politico, and Vivek Shandas, a climate adaptation professor at Portland State University, tackle critical issues of climate policy. They discuss Biden’s unprecedented climate achievements and the push for a formal climate emergency declaration. The conversation highlights local adaptation strategies for extreme heat, emphasizing the urgent need for city-level initiatives like heat action plans and innovative solutions to protect vulnerable communities from climate impacts.
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Biden's Climate Record
- Biden is the most environmentally active president in US history, enacting significant climate legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Despite these achievements, activists urge him to declare a climate emergency for more aggressive action.
Climate Emergency Powers
- Declaring a climate emergency would grant Biden executive powers, allowing actions like halting crude oil exports and ending federal fossil fuel drilling.
- This Act is similar to wartime mobilization, enabling redirection of resources towards clean energy and emission reduction.
Build Back Better and Climate Emergency
- Biden considered a climate emergency declaration after Joe Manchin initially rejected the Build Back Better plan.
- This consideration came amidst pressure from climate activists, concerned about congressional inaction.