If you read just one article about climate change this year, make it this one.
At Prism, our mission is to provide not only the facts but also the context behind those facts. We aim to help readers understand the “why” and “how” of current events, especially when it comes to environmental justice issues.
Recent shifts in U.S. policy are handing more power to industries at the expense of environmental protections. The Trump administration’s Project 2025 outlines plans to weaken the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), allowing companies to profit, often hurting vulnerable communities in the process.
Take eastern Kentucky, for instance. For years, residents have fought against plans for a $500 million prison pushed by Rep. Hal Rogers. The area, already hurt by extractive industries, saw some success in blocking these plans. However, community efforts led by an Indigenous organization to reclaim land for nature were recently challenged again, illustrating the ongoing struggle between development and preservation.
In South Florida, criticism is mounting against a new detention center dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” Built quickly in the Everglades, the facility poses serious risks to both detainees and the surrounding environment. Reports of inhumane treatment inside highlight a larger issue: the intersection of incarceration and environmental justice. This facility’s hefty cost underscores how resources are misallocated, focusing on punitive measures over humanitarian solutions.
This year, the EPA’s abrupt cancellation of grants aimed at environmental justice has compounded these issues. Grant recipients didn’t have a clear way to contest these cuts, putting crucial initiatives at risk. These grants were intended to help communities facing flooding and pollution, but with federal funding dwindling and the landscape for environmental activism changing, the struggle for climate resilience only grows harder.
The Trump administration recently attempted to dismantle key regulations like the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which helped control greenhouse gas emissions. This sets a troubling standard for climate policy, particularly in a country already contributing disproportionately to climate change.
Moreover, the relaxing of regulations has led to a boom in data centers, which demand enormous amounts of energy. In 2024, they accounted for about 4% of U.S. electricity consumption. These facilities threaten local environments and raise energy costs for residents, further complicating the push for cleaner energy sources, which are often more affordable than fossil fuels.
Interestingly, public sentiment shows that many Americans are concerned about climate change. According to Yale’s Climate Change Communication project, 63% of U.S. adults are very worried about it. Yet, their concerns don’t match up with current political actions, creating a gap that could prompt significant shifts in public policy.
As the effects of climate change intensify, voters are likely to demand more robust and effective climate action. The voices for change are growing louder, and one way or another, lawmakers will need to address this urgent issue.
For ongoing updates and to understand the intersections of policy and the environment, you can follow credible sources like The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and reports from the Amnesty International outlining conditions in detention facilities.
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