The Dangers of Rolling Back Climate Initiatives: What Wisconsin’s Future May Hold – Wisconsin Muslim Journal

In 2024, the planet felt the heat. Extreme weather events surged, creating record-breaking heat waves, powerful hurricanes, intense flooding, and devastating wildfires. According to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), climate change linked to at least 3,700 deaths and the displacement of millions during 26 significant weather events. The year’s soaring global temperatures also led to heavy downpours, and storms like Hurricane Helene and Typhoon Gaemi were fueled by hot oceans and warm air.

Transportation still stands as the largest source of emissions that warm the planet. Millions in the U.S. cope with pollution from vehicles and industries. Cars, trucks, and fossil-fuel power plants lead this charge.

Former President Biden sought to counter this through ambitious climate regulations. He rejoined the Paris Agreement and pushed the Inflation Reduction Act, which aimed substantially to invest in clean energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions. His administration also initiated bipartisan infrastructure legislation to enhance the power grid and promote clean energy.

In contrast, former President Trump’s stance on climate policies swung in another direction. His administration’s deregulatory moves for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sparked concerns over increasing pollution and worsening the climate crisis. Recent surveys indicate that a significant percentage of Americans worry about climate change and support stricter regulations, yet political pushback remains strong.

The Trump administration proposed to repeal the 2009 Endangerment Finding that recognized greenhouse gases as a health threat. This move could jeopardize regulations that limit emissions from vehicles and industry. Other changes included freezing fuel efficiency standards and rolling back efforts to reduce carbon emissions from coal plants.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin hinted at moving programs to control smog and toxic emissions to different offices, which could dilute the agency’s focus on climate issues. The elimination of key offices responsible for regulating air pollution by 2025 could mark the end of many crucial climate initiatives.

Experts like Rachel Cleetus from the Union of Concerned Scientists emphasize that reliable federal data on greenhouse gas emissions is essential. It informs local and state actions against climate change. “Without accurate data, you can’t understand how emissions change over time,” she noted.

The current administration also canceled EPA offices that addressed pollution in marginalized communities, disproportionately impacting low-income and minority populations.

While Trump’s cuts might appeal to some industries for reducing regulatory burdens, many in the business sector worry about potential chaos and instability in the market. A growing number of voices advocate for a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

There is still hope. Repealing regulations requires transparency and public input. Experts believe that opposing voices and lawsuits can challenge these harmful cuts. Former EPA administrators are prepared to fight back.

As concerns about climate change grow, communities worldwide are motivated to act. Organizations like the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) have taken steps toward sustainability, including fossil fuel divestment, urging collective responsibility towards the Earth based on their values.

Amid these changes, every action counts. It’s a crucial moment to reflect on our relationship with the environment and consider how we can protect it for future generations.

For a deeper dive into these changes and their consequences, you can explore comprehensive data from trusted sources, like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.

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