TLDR;
Choosing Trump could result in an additional 4 billion tonnes of US emissions by 2030 compared to Biden's plans, equating to over $900 billion in global climate damages. Biden's policies aim for a 50-52% reduction in emissions by 2030, aligning with international climate goals. Trump's policies might negate advancements in clean technology and significantly hinder global efforts to maintain warming below 1.5°C.
As the 2024 elections approach, the stakes for our planet's climate have never been higher. Collective action is our most potent tool against the advancing threats of climate change, from extreme weather events to the degradation of air quality. Among the myriad actions we can take, voting stands out as a profoundly impactful choice that can set the course for the United States' climate policy and, by extension, global efforts to curb emissions.
The contrast between the potential environmental impacts of electing Joe Biden versus Donald Trump is stark. Analysis indicates that a Biden presidency could result in 4 billion tonnes fewer emissions by 2030 compared to a second Trump term. To put this into perspective, this difference is tantamount to doubling the global gains achieved by solar, wind, and other clean technologies over the last five years. Under Trump, the U.S. is projected to fall significantly short of its global climate pledge, aiming for a 50-52% reduction in emissions by 2030 but only achieving a 28% reduction from 2005 levels.
Beyond the environmental implications, the financial cost of inaction—or regression—is astronomical, with damages potentially exceeding $900 billion. This figure underscores the broader impacts of climate policy, touching on economic stability, public health, and national security.
The current administration has laid a groundwork of policies, notably the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, steering the U.S. closer to meeting its climate objectives. Yet, this progress hangs in the balance. A shift in administration to a leader with a track record of rolling back environmental protections could not only halt but reverse the strides made towards a sustainable future.
It's crucial to recognize that the president alone does not shape climate policy. The composition of Congress plays a decisive role in either supporting or obstructing the enactment of meaningful legislation. Thus, the importance of every vote extends beyond the presidential ballot to those who will occupy the Senate and the House of Representatives. A unified government, aligned in its climate ambitions, is imperative to enact the policies needed to mitigate climate change effectively.
In summary, the upcoming elections are more than a political contest; they are a choice about the future of our planet. The path we choose will determine our ability to meet urgent climate goals and safeguard a livable world for future generations. As voters, we wield the power to influence this trajectory profoundly. Let us choose wisely, with an eye towards sustainability, equity, and the well-being of all inhabitants of our shared Earth.
Addendum with Sources
Carbon Brief Analysis on Trump's potential impact
Comparison of Trump and Biden's environmental strategies and their implications: Nature Article