TUGI Ambassadors February Monthly Prompt

By: Amaan Rather, Roxanne Riebel, Sabrina Yang, ​Anshika Ojha, Julia Nguyen & Rachael Willis

What are some environmental policies that Joe Biden should implement over his next four years as president? What is the effect of these policies and how will future presidents take precedent?

Amaan: When a new president and vice president take office, the potential for beneficial change is greater than ever. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris now have the ability to develop new impactful environmental policies to help combat climate change and make amends for the negligence that many politicians have shown to the environment in the past. In fact, one major change has already been initiated by the new administration: the rejoining of the Paris Climate Agreement. This shows that the US has the ability to work with others in order to make a difference on a broader scale. More global policies also help set the precedent for future presidents that it is their obligation to work on an international scale to fight environmental damage as opposed to only working domestically. Other policy changes should include cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions that are terrible for the atmosphere (and subsequently impact the health of all living creatures and deplete the ozone layer) and trying to protect natural lands (home to huge amounts of biodiversity) from being demolished by buildings, pipelines, railroads, or any other kinds of development. By implementing strong environmental policies like these, the POTUS AND VPOTUS set the example for future presidents that the environment is something that should be taken as a pressing issue. If enough presidents start to enact change and take environmental initiatives, over time this type of policy will be universally accepted and will become a staple of American government. However, the building blocks for this type of transformation must be laid by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris over the next four years. 

Roxanne: I would love to see Joe Biden keep his word and fight climate change, but I would also love to see the voice of the people and lobbying by the public sway him towards implementing the Green New Deal, which would have a significant impact on the climate for years to come. So far, he’s off to a good start with halting pipeline construction, rejoining the Paris Climate Accord, and undoing executive orders signed by Donald Trump that reduced environmental regulations. My hope over the next four years is that Biden actively works to increase regulations on businesses, implement carbon taxes, and introduce more sustainable energy into our country. His climate action plan seems solid, but I would love to see him commit to more rapid change than he has proposed so far, as according to scientists we have limited time to handle this issue.

Sabrina: As of today, trophy hunting has become a big problem in our lives and it is still legal in the U.S. About 1.2 million animals have been killed by people which breaks down to 70,000 animals every year. As we all know, animals are our main source of food. Not only that, but it completes the circle of life. Without animals, it could change the environmental conditions and affect the whole world. With Joe Biden as president, he can help make a huge impact on both our environment, and our society as well. By banning trophy hunting, animals can live a free and healthy life just like humans. 

Anshika: Our president should implement the Green New Deal that was taken into consideration in the year 2004! It is important to start protecting our environment from harsh chemicals, pollution, and dangerous substances that kill the environment right now, or it will only cause harmful consequences. The Climate Change Clock in New York is an ever-present symbol representing the harsh reality that global warming will soon result in lasting detrimental and irreversible effects. It is important for our President to take these concerns and implement proper control, as well as the preceding President to do the same. If the policies that our current President implement are beneficial, then we are to assume that future Presidents would like to keep our environment healthy and safe.

Julia: Our new president, Joe Biden, has already agreed for the United States to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement after Trump’s previous withdrawal. I believe that Biden should implement policies allowing for easier access and more charging stations for electric cars like Tesla, or other hybrid electric powered cars like Sudans so we can stop the spread of global warming and pollution due to the prevalence of gas-powered cars. I believe he should also fund more sustainable small businesses like grocery stores that have reusable bags, or refillable stations with nuts and other dried goods because this allows for a more sustainable and healthy environment and lifestyle. Some of the effects of these policies would be a cleaner environment, with less trash and pollution, and other presidents could hopefully take inspiration from Biden’s precedent if he allows for more eco-friendly policies.

Rachael: The new Biden Administration has ushered in a sense of hope among environmentalists in the United States and abroad. However, it is important that activists continue to hold our new president accountable. In his four years in office, I hope to see President Biden implement several clean energy laws and executive orders. Fossil fuel burning, the means by which most of our energy is generated, is one of the leading causes of climate change. Switching to clean, renewable energy sources is an essential step towards a greener future. On the campaign trail, Biden frequently shifted his stance on fracking. As president, I would like to see him place restrictions on fracking in an effort to end our dangerous reliance on fossil fuels. Although it is not likely that Biden will ban fracking outright, implementing regulations on fracking will benefit our environment. The Biden Administration’s environmental agenda has huge implications for future presidents. By cementing clean energy and anti-fracking legislation, the Biden Administration can build the foundations for a sustainable America upon which future administrations can prosper. Enforcing these baseline energy policies will set the precedent that the United States is committed to a sustainable future.