It’s hard to believe, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has nearly wiped out mentions of human-caused climate change from its website. Previously, it was clear that human actions—like burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests—are major drivers of climate change. Now, the focus has shifted to natural factors like volcanic eruptions and solar changes, effectively erasing human responsibility.
This update raises serious concerns. By removing humans from the climate change narrative, we risk losing accountability for the damage we’ve done. Climate science has been robust for decades, showing consistently that our activities harm the planet. Ignoring this doesn’t just feel wrong—it threatens our future.
Memes from the movie *Don’t Look Up* fill my social media feeds. In the film, a desperate climate scientist tries to convince politicians of the impending disaster but is met with disbelief and indifference. One memorable moment features Leonardo DiCaprio’s character declaring, “There is 100% certainty that pollution from burning fossil fuel is catastrophically heating the planet.” Faced with this truth, the government representative simply suggests moving on. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just ignore climate change?
Unfortunately, we can’t pretend it’s not an issue. Taylor Swift captures this sentiment perfectly when she admits, “Hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.” If we don’t own up to our role in this crisis, we’re signing up for disaster. It’s not about identity politics; it’s about facing facts.
Experts in environmental science warn that the EPA’s new stance may lead to weakening regulations on greenhouse gases, which could result in dirtier air and water. A thriving planet benefits all of us, so why would we want to compromise that?
These changes to the narrative will surely spark frustrating questions. How do we reiterate that humans are both the cause of climate change and the solution? Many dedicated individuals work tirelessly to protect ecosystems, and it is wasteful to re-debate the role of humanity in this story.
But here’s the good news: we still have the power to make a difference. Living in a community closely tied to nature, we recognize that polluting our rivers means losing access to clean water. This basic truth underscores our shared responsibility. However, those who wish to detach from the problem will ultimately suffer, too, as we share the same planet.
So, what can we do? First, we should educate ourselves and our children about climate science. It’s essential to maintain a sense of collective responsibility. Supporting local initiatives—like the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies—can help protect our environment and community. We also need to advocate for clean energy solutions and end public funding for fossil fuel projects.
Everyone can play a part, from voting for sustainable policies to aligning personal investments with environmental values. We should also consider legislation that safeguards nature, ensuring it thrives for generations to come. Our relationship with the wilderness is critical. By nurturing it, we can ensure both nature and ourselves flourish.
Dr. Lindsay Branham, an environmental psychologist and filmmaker, emphasizes the urgent need for action. The time to engage is now. It’s not just about us; it’s about the Earth we will leave behind.
