Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series of articles by members of the ALF-SV Sustainability Affinity Group aimed at providing information and resources on the impacts of a warming planet. Be sure to also check out the first and second posts in this series. Additionally, the publication of this article does not signify an endorsement of any particular candidate or political party by American Leadership Forum Silicon Valley.
The U.S. presidential election is now less than 30 days away. There is a lot at stake as we consider the social, economic, and public health issues affecting our country today. According to a recent public opinion survey, our concern about climate change is as high as ever. As one researcher noted, “considerable and sometimes huge majorities of Americans believe that global warming has been happening, will continue in the future, poses a threat, and requires ameliorative action.” [1]
I am one of those Americans. I have spent most of my career working in philanthropy and in nonprofit organizations on a variety of issues, ranging from early childhood education and economic security to housing and immigration. However, recent climate events have come close to home. Mega wildfires have blackened our skies, destroyed some of our most cherished public lands, and adversely affected family members and friends. That is why I have joined the ALF sustainability team and feel a sense of urgency to learn and do more to confront the climate crisis, starting with this blog.
“Mega wildfires have blackened our skies, destroyed some of our most cherished public lands, and adversely affected family members and friends. That is why I have joined the ALF sustainability team and feel a sense of urgency to learn and do more to confront the climate crisis, starting with this blog.”
So, where do our two presidential candidates stand on climate issues now that the election is upon us?
Unlike past Republic presidents who have played an important role in promoting environmental causes, President Trump has denied the science of climate change, and his administration has rolled back many environmental regulations and protections to address it. Some of these rollbacks have included weakening limits on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks, relaxing pollution regulations for coal-fired power plants, and opening more public land to oil and gas drilling. He pulled out of the Paris climate accord making the U.S. one of only three countries not participating in this international agreement.
Trump’s re-election campaign website does not include any sections specific to addressing climate change.
Joe Biden has made addressing climate change a centerpiece of his campaign with a comprehensive plan to end fossil fuel use by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases in the country by no later than 2050. The plan, as outlined on his campaign website, calls for a $2 trillion investment in a massive green jobs program to build renewable energy infrastructure. This includes energy efficiency upgrades for the auto industry, transit, buildings, and increasing the share of renewable energy from wind, solar, and other clean energy technology innovations. Biden’s plan also calls for a commitment to environmental justice to ensure that communities of color and low-income people help drive proposals for a clean and healthier environment.
We have all heard that elections have consequences. This is certainly true when it comes to climate and the future health of our planet. Here is what you can do.
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- Learn. Visit the candidates’ websites to learn more about their climate proposals at joebiden.com and donaldjtrump.com. For a helpful comparison of the candidates’ climate records while in public office and current climate proposals, check out the Climate XChange Education and Research, Inc.’s website.
- Vote. Every Californian will be sent a vote-by-mail ballot to help avoid potential health risks with voting in person. For tips on how to successfully complete your mail-in ballot, important dates, checking your voting status, and tracking your ballot, please visit the California Voter Foundation’s website. You can also visit County Election Offices in San Mateo and Santa Clara for additional information, including ballot dropbox and vote center locations.
[1] Krosnick, Jon A., and Bo MacInnis. 2020. Climate Insights 2020: Overall Trends. Washington, DC: Resources for the Future.
Erica Wood ( Class XXVII) is a mission-driven leader who has devoted her career to addressing the critical economic, environmental, and social challenges we face today. She has held senior leadership positions in philanthropy and in nonprofit organizations and most recently served as the Executive Vice President, Community Impact at Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Erica currently serves on the board of Raising A Reader (one of the nation’s oldest and most respected early literacy organization) and resides in Half Moon Bay with her husband and daughter. She graduated with honors from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Latin American Studies and a Minor in Biology.
