The past months have been times of profound change in our nation and its leadership. Along with this change, there has been increasing concern regarding the subject of climate change. Climate change is the scientific theory that the increased amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, mainly by use of fossil fuels, is causing a change in weather patterns around the world. This theory is supported by warming oceans, a rising sea level, ocean acidification, shrinking ice sheets, and the global temperature averages increasing. Many people are worried that President Trump will not take this issue seriously, which is a valid claim considering past tweets he has written pertaining to climate change.

In November of 2012 President Trump tweeted, “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.” Trump is claiming that climate change is a hoax, and it was created by another government to decrease the United States’ manufacturing.

In October of 2015, President Trump tweeted, “It’s really cold outside, they are calling it a major freeze, weeks ahead of normal. Man, we could use a big fat dose of global warming!” This tweet is attempting to make light of a subject that many Americans feel strongly about, and is again implying that climate change is not a valid concern.

In February of 2010 President Trump made announcement at one of his golf clubs, saying “With the coldest winter ever recorded, with snow setting record levels up and down the coast, the Nobel committee should take the Nobel Prize back from Al Gore.” Trump claims that the former Vice President of the United States’ Nobel prize should be rescinded.

Trump has also repeatedly criticized former President Obama’s actions against climate change. Obama signed the Paris agreement, which 192 countries and the European Union have signed. It is an agreement to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Signed on April 22, Earth Day, countries are coming together to reduce climate change. Trump has claimed this agreement is ridiculous and shouldn’t be pursued.

After being elected president Trump spoke about climate change in an interview with the New York Times.  Regarding the Paris agreement, Trump is quoted saying, “I’m looking at it very closely, Tom. I’ll tell you what. I have an open mind to it. We’re going to look very carefully. It’s one issue that’s interesting because there are few things where there’s more division than climate change.”  He states his views are open and he will investigate it carefully, which contradicts his previous claims of climate change being a hoax.  

As a young American, I am worried for the imprint we are leaving on the earth. Growing up, I have cared about the environment since I was a small child. Watching videos of polar bears jumping from their melting ice sheets is very saddening to me. This melting and many other effects are caused by climate change. Our president doesn’t seem to have a deep concern for this topic. Many Americans, including myself, do care about this subject. If nothing changes, the long term effects will include a drastic rise in sea-levels, and a significant rise in global temperatures. Along with others, these changes will affect the earth’s ability to sustain life. For the sake of future generations, it is important that we make significant changes to the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. In order to achieve these significant changes, it is vital for our law-makers to understand the concerns of the American people–starting with our president.

On April 29, the 100th day of the Trump administration, there will be a march in Washington D.C. promoting the People’s Climate Movement. Earlier this year there was the Women’s March, which had almost 5 million people marching, including the people at the 673 sister marches. Similar to the Women’s March, the People’s Climate March is a large group of people exercising their first amendment right to peacefully assemble. Below are some of the reasons behind the People’s Climate March are listed on their website:

Advance solutions to the climate crisis [that are] rooted in racial, social and economic justice and committed to protecting front-line communities and workers.

Protect our right to clean air, water, land, healthy communities and a world at peace.

Immediately stop attacks on immigrants, communities of color, indigenous and tribal people and lands and workers.

Fund investments in our communities, people and environment to transition to a new clean and renewable energy economy that works for all.

Protect our basic rights to a free press, protest and free speech.

The People’s Climate March is about more than just protecting our environment; it is about ensuring the survival of the democratic principles that this nation was founded upon. In a time like today, it is imperative that people band together and stand up for what they believe in, especially regarding subjects that are controversial such as climate change.

Avery Fogg
staff writer