The climate change is quickly becoming a problem than can no longer be ignored. The rising temperatures and extreme weather are just the beginning of an environmental crisis. While some efforts have been made in the past, not much progress has been made. In order to significantly reduce carbon emissions and rising CO2 levels drastic measures have to be taken. In an attempt to make changes, the Environmental Protection Agency is working closely with the White House to create and implement a “Clean Power Plan.”
With the negative effects of climate change already becoming evident, president Obama feels the obligation to try and turn things around. According to WhiteHouse.gov, this new clean power plan will establish standards to limit carbon pollution from power plants. Unlike the previous soot and toxic emission standards, no rules on carbon pollution have been previously set. The planners are optimistic that 32 percent of carbon pollution will be eliminated by 2030. The plan is structured, however flexible and will be designed according to state. The Clean Power Plan will create policies that will create significant public health benefits. This plan will also provide tens of thousands of jobs for people willing to ensure grid reliability. This plan also encourages people to invest in green energy, hopefully creating a 30 percent increase in renewable technologies. Wind and solar energy is going to be highly encouraged. Programs will be put in place to make this more affordable to low-income communities.
The plan will allow each state to choose how they establish the methods to reach the new carbon emission standards. Each state is to come up with a plan within a certain amount, however if a state needs more time they are allowed to request an extension of up to two years. This new plan is encouraging investments in clean energy. This is going to save a lot of money for people on their energy bills. This plan will reward states for early investment in clean energy. The program wants to prioritize early investments for low-Income communities by awarding federal funding. These incentives will make renewable energy further develop. Standards for lights and heavy-duty vehicles will be required as the second phase of the fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards. Making solar power available for all families and communities to help cut energy bills, create jobs, and create more efficient households. Drastic measures are being taken by the EPA and other agencies to try and cut methane emissions from oil and gas systems, coal mining, landfills and agriculture.
President Obama met with President Xi Jinping to discuss reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Both parties agreed to significantly reduced emissions by 2030. This meeting was considered groundbreaking, considering both the U.S and China are the two largest polluters of greenhouse gases. This meeting has led to the increased pressure for every nation on earth to sign the same deal, at a United Nations summit meeting in Paris this coming fall. These two countries will lead the efforts and hopefully every other country will follow their example. Both the United States and China have submitted detailed plans to heavily reduce emissions.
Xi Jinping made Chinese history by being the first to stop it’s growth of carbon pollution when he agreed to cap the rapidly rising emissions within the next 15 years. This country wins world’s top emitter of carbon dioxide. This was something taken from the United States in 2006. More than a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions can be credited to China in 2012. This resulted from buring coal, oil, and natural gases. This was not much greater than the 14 percent that the united states contributed.