On the afternoon of Monday, January 20th, the United States inaugurated its 47th president – who happens to be someone who values oil drilling more than the recent severe global temperatures or the safety of the animals. All progress that has been made by national leaders and organizations was reversed by Donald Trump’s recent signing of various executive orders. Yet no one is surprised at all by his decisions – only disappointed and heartbroken for the future and well-being of the planet.
On Inauguration Day, Trump signed more than 20 executive orders, which is more than any other US president. Those that relate to the environment include but are not limited to, declaring a national energy emergency, unleashing American energy, and withdrawing from the Paris Agreement.
Declaring a national energy emergency is illogical, considering the fact that the United States is already the largest oil and gas producer in the world, according to Sierra. Trump’s goal is to bring gas and oil prices down by increasing oil drilling – but is it really worth it if we don’t have a properly functioning planet in future years? Although the order calls for the increase of drilling to provide energy, The Guardian states that oil companies are “already producing at record levels.” Oil drilling has a brutal effect on the environment, especially on our oceans. Not only do oil spills ruin ecosystems and the habitats of animals, but so do the infrastructures of huge oil facilities. It’s evident that Trump’s main concern is the economy, but people need to realize that a working economy will not be worth it if the state of the environment is barely functioning properly.
Additionally, pulling the United States out of the Paris Agreement will have a detrimental effect on the planet. The Paris Agreement, planned out in December 2015 in Paris, France, and taken into action in November 2016, is a “legally binding international treaty on climate change,” as stated by the United Nations Climate Change. Out of all 195 countries in the world, the United States joined the mere three – Yemen, Iran, and Libya – that aren’t signed within the treaty. Trump, who views climate change as a “giant hoax,” believes that the Paris Agreement is unfair to the United States because it steers “American taxpayer dollars to countries that do not require, or merit, financial assistance in the interests of the American people,” according to the signed executive order itself. Trump is deciding to increase oil drilling, instead of cutting funding to countries that are in need of help to prevent climate-driven calamities. Again – not surprising, just disappointing and heartbreaking.
It’s very easy to feel discouraged or helpless in times like these – where figures of authority use their power to stand for what they believe is most important while the bigger picture is ignored. However, staying educated, spreading awareness, and fighting for this planet can lead to bigger change. Whether it’s taking a plastic bottle out of the trash can to throw into the recycling bin, or deciding to ride a bike to the convenience store around the corner instead of driving a car, anything can help our Earth – it’s the least that she deserves.