Let’s put into perspective the United States’ (US) role and responsibility to global climate change challenges our Planet faces.

• The US ranks second, behind China, as the 2nd biggest greenhouse gas emitter.
• US has released more than 509 Gigatons of CO₂ since 1850. It is responsible for the largest share of historical emissions.
• The US ranks 57th in this year’s Climate Change Performance Index, which is overall a very low rating.
• The US is the second largest meat producing and consuming country in the world, at 146 million tons. Meat production and consumption contributes about 20% to global greenhouse gas emissions.
• The US ranks first in terms of gasoline consumption, using almost 9 million barrels per day. This is almost three times more than China, which ranks 2nd. (reference)

This short list shows where the US ranks relative to other countries in global greenhouse gas emissions. As one of two major greenhouse gas polluters, we have an added responsibility to our Planet. We need to right past wrongs.

There is much at stake in the United States’ Presidential election on November 5, 2024. The Republican Party and their leader, Donald J. Trump, continue to promote an agenda that denies global warming is a planetary crisis.

The former president says he wants “clean air and clean water,” but he has rolled back environmental rules and dismissed the scientific consensus on climate change. (reference)

The platform on his website offers no policy details about how his administration views climate change. We know from his rhetoric, “Drill baby drill,” that he is not interested in reducing oil and gas exploration. His focus will not shift to renewable energy solutions. We also know that in 2017 President Trump removed the US from the Paris Climate Accord. Therefore, a Trump administration would not take responsibility for leading the effort to solve global greenhouse problems. They would avoid doing this through aggressive legislation and global partnerships.

In contrast, Vice-President Kamala Harris is strongly committed to having the United States assume its role in addressing global warming. In 2021, the Biden Administration rejoined the Paris Climate Accord. This action signals our return to partnering with other countries on addressing this crisis. Kamala Harris stands by this commitment. The Washington Post wrote a short summary of Harris’ policy positions on climate change (resource). In her campaign document, A New Way Forward, she provides more details. She outlines her commitment to a clean energy economy (resource).

The future of our Planet hangs in the balance. Only a Kamala Harris administration demonstrates a commitment to solving the problem. They have a real plan. While Donald Trump administration will deny the problem exists. Kamala Harris is the only choice. We need her to assure that future generations will have a home to call their own.