One of the most breathtaking places that I've ever gotten to experience is the Grand Canyon, seriously it is the absolute best part of that State. Honestly, I can walk around that park for hours without getting tired of it; each formation is so unique, how could you not love it?! You know what the best thing about that park is right now? That the budget for protecting the park and the animals that roam it is being slashed! Isn't that just so cool?
If you answered no to the question about it being cool, you would be correct! If none of you know what's going on in politics right now, Donald Trump has decided to try to slash the Environmental Protection Agency's budget. He's not just taking a small amount from their budget, he's trying to slash the budget by, about, 31 percent!
I hope you know what the Environmental Protection Agency is, but if you don't I'll explain it to you. The EPA was officially formed in December of 1970 following Richard Nixon's presidency; it works to reduce environmental risks to humans and animals and they work to create and maintain a healthy environment. While the National Parks Services is what takes care of the, you know, National Parks, the NPS and EPA work hand in hand. They are both working to protect the environment and our health; although they do not do the same thing, they are both being affected by Trump's presidency.
Anyway, Donald Trump and his cabinet don't believe in global warming. He believes it is just a hoax. A HOAX! So disappointing to have made so much progress for global warming within the last eight years just to have it all have the potential to be revoked. I am soooo happy about this, can't you tell?
So right now, this budget cut would not only cut more than 50 EPA programs (which means lost jobs for many people), it would also harm the way the rest of the world looks at us. There are several countries around the world that are working together to fight climate change and Donald Trump is beginning to exclude us from that effort. The U.S. Energy Department was even told to stop using the phrases “climate change”, “emissions reduction” and “Paris Agreement” in all briefings and written communications, on the same day Donald Trump signed an executive order. Like... WHAT?!
Speaking of the Paris Agreement... I'm going to explain it real quick. So this agreement was made so that all nations have a common cause to combat climate change. Guess what, America is no longer a part of that agreement. So cool. China, a developing country, is now the leader of climate change since the U.S. is no longer in the agreement. Although it's terrible that we are no longer in this agreement, it is good to see a country that has a large amount of pollution step up to make a change.
I'm kind of jumping all over the place in this, there's just a lot to talk about with what's going on right now. I'm really upset about the EPAs budget being cut. Honestly, I agree with Van Jones of CNN in an opinion article he wrote that Trump may have signed Earth's death warrant. I just don't understand how or why years of reform for climate change could be torn down so quickly; it's like eight years of development was thrown down the drain.
Sigh. I don't really know what more to say about this besides the fact that I'm extremely ashamed that military has become more important than climate change. The EPA is one of the most important needs for climate change in order to make sure that America progresses into a country that works on the health of the environment. Overall, this is just so terrible. I am genuinely depressed that we are taking ten steps backwards for the environment from where we previously were.
As a fellow environment CI blogger, I understand how upset you are about the EPA budget cuts. It sickens me, as well. I could not believe that Trump took America out of the Paris Agreement. I don't think some people realize just how important the EPA is in making our lives healthier, as well as how obviously important they are to combating climate change.
ReplyDeleteI recently heard about this as well and it is extremely disappointing that Trump is cutting the EPA's budget. He says he doesn't even believe in global warming; however, who is he to say that? He is NOT a scientist at all. Trumpt's actions could be facilitating our earth to deteriorate.
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ReplyDeleteLove your writing style and personality! I don't know if this is much solice, but when Trump proposes his budget, it is not official it is merely a template and strong suggestion for congress to use in its annual budgeting. So, when Trump proposes an exorbitant 30% or so slash, he knows hes not going to get it and is anticipating about 10% or so (which is still extreme since a major cut is typically around 3-5%). When he gets congress to settle on a number much lower than 30% but still well past the typical major cut, he gets to say "hey it could have been worse!" Devious, i know, but its just his good business skills showing through.
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