Environment

Climate Change & Carbon Policy

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities since the Industrial Revolution. When we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas for energy, we release carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, creating a "greenhouse effect" that warms the planet.

Scientific consensus is overwhelming: 97% of climate scientists agree that human-caused climate change is happening (Cook et al., 2016, Environmental Research Letters). Global temperatures have risen approximately 1.1°C since pre-industrial times (IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, 2021), and we're seeing accelerating impacts including more frequent heat waves, intensifying hurricanes, rising sea levels, and changing precipitation patterns.

Myth vs. Fact:

• Myth: "Climate has always changed naturally, so current warming isn't unusual"
• Fact: While Earth's climate has changed throughout history, current warming is happening at least 10 times faster than the average rate of warming during past ice age recoveries (NOAA Climate.gov, 2023), and is directly linked to human greenhouse gas emissions.

Source: NOAA Climate.gov (2023). "Climate Change: Global Temperature."

Clean Energy & Renewable Resources

Renewable energy sources—solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal—generate power without depleting natural resources or producing greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity through photovoltaic cells, while wind turbines capture kinetic energy from moving air. Unlike fossil fuels, these sources are continuously replenished and don't contribute to climate change.

As of 2023, renewable energy accounts for about 21% of U.S. electricity generation, with costs declining dramatically—solar and wind are now often cheaper than fossil fuels (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2024).

Current Policy Debates:

• Federal tax credits and subsidies for renewable energy installation
• Grid reliability and energy storage solutions
• Nuclear energy's role in clean energy transition
• Permitting reform for renewable energy projects

Sources:

• International Renewable Energy Agency (2023). "Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2022." 

• U.S. Energy Information Administration (2024). "Electricity explained: Electricity generation, capacity, and sales in the United States."