In the words of President Barack Obama “…Science, accumulated and reviewed over decades, tells us that our planet is changing in ways that will have profound impacts on all of humankind…those who are already feeling the effects of climate change don’t have time to deny it—they’re busy dealing with it.” Global warming is already beginning to alter life on Earth with rising sea levels, poor air quality and increasingly severe climate changes. To help slow global warming, the government should set standards such as the Clean Power Plan to help limit the amount of carbon dioxide pollution that power plants release into the air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, carbon dioxide pollution is the leading factor in global warming.
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The National Climate Assessment reported that prolonged periods of heat can lead to drought associated with large wildfires and longer fire seasons. Other climate changes include: effects in cycles, shifting seasons (shorter/warmer winters and longer/hotter summers), severe storms, higher storm surges and heavier downpours. The U.S alone spent a $100 billion in 2012 on weather and climate disasters. Not only do people, agriculture, livestock and wildlife feel these changes, but also have to adapt to them; those that can’t adapt are becoming extinct. The National Climate Assessment adds, “Lower emissions of gases mean less future warming and less-severe impacts; while higher emissions mean more warming and more severe impacts.” Power plants also contribute to human health by causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases due to poor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that when the Clean Power Plan is implemented there will be fewer premature deaths due to pollution-related illnesses, 90,000 fewer asthma attacks in children, and up to 3,600 fewer heart attacks. Humans are also at risk for heat stress due to climate change, increased allergies and illnesses spread through water, food, and insects. Children, the elderly, the sick and the people living in poverty are especially vulnerable to these health …show more content…
Writing for The Electricity Journal, Wara, Cullenward and Teitlebaum argue that the U.S. has tried to establish goals more than three times into the future and successful energy efficiency goals typically are not set over 5 years; this could potentially increase the risk of failure (25). Lucy Mckenzie, an editor for The Electricity Journal, argues the more states are incentivized the more they will want to look for lower cost energy opportunities by goal dates (Mckenzie et al.90). Whitehouse.gov notes the progress that has been made since the Obama administration which includes: the largest investment in clean energy, the lowest level of U.S. greenhouse gas pollution in 20 years and tripled electricity production from wind power; which they will continue with their progress and strive to meet future
The National Climate Assessment reported that prolonged periods of heat can lead to drought associated with large wildfires and longer fire seasons. Other climate changes include: effects in cycles, shifting seasons (shorter/warmer winters and longer/hotter summers), severe storms, higher storm surges and heavier downpours. The U.S alone spent a $100 billion in 2012 on weather and climate disasters. Not only do people, agriculture, livestock and wildlife feel these changes, but also have to adapt to them; those that can’t adapt are becoming extinct. The National Climate Assessment adds, “Lower emissions of gases mean less future warming and less-severe impacts; while higher emissions mean more warming and more severe impacts.” Power plants also contribute to human health by causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases due to poor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that when the Clean Power Plan is implemented there will be fewer premature deaths due to pollution-related illnesses, 90,000 fewer asthma attacks in children, and up to 3,600 fewer heart attacks. Humans are also at risk for heat stress due to climate change, increased allergies and illnesses spread through water, food, and insects. Children, the elderly, the sick and the people living in poverty are especially vulnerable to these health …show more content…
Writing for The Electricity Journal, Wara, Cullenward and Teitlebaum argue that the U.S. has tried to establish goals more than three times into the future and successful energy efficiency goals typically are not set over 5 years; this could potentially increase the risk of failure (25). Lucy Mckenzie, an editor for The Electricity Journal, argues the more states are incentivized the more they will want to look for lower cost energy opportunities by goal dates (Mckenzie et al.90). Whitehouse.gov notes the progress that has been made since the Obama administration which includes: the largest investment in clean energy, the lowest level of U.S. greenhouse gas pollution in 20 years and tripled electricity production from wind power; which they will continue with their progress and strive to meet future