The Harsh Reality For Climate Change If Trump & Vance Get Elected

As we approach another critical election, it's terrifying to think about what the future might hold if we elect leaders who refuse to take climate change seriously. Former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance have both shown an alarming disregard for environmental science, which threatens not just the future of our planet but our daily lives and the lives of future generations. The last seven years have been the hottest on record, driven by heat-trapping fossil fuel emissions¹. Yet these men propose to expand fossil fuel development. We must act wisely when the urgency for climate action is more pressing than ever.

FACTS VS. DENIAL

The impacts of climate change aren't some far-off problem; they’re happening right here in our communities. Since 1992, global average sea levels have risen about four inches². In Ohio, where J.D. Vance is a senator, droughts and heavy rains are becoming more frequent, putting farmers, residents, and ecosystems at risk. Yet, Vance has flip-flopped on his stance. In 2020, he admitted, "We, of course, have a climate problem in our society." Now, he’s backtracking, aligning himself with those who deny the climate crisis exists³. This kind of back-and-forth and lack of commitment to core issues is not just confusing—it’s dangerous for Americans.

Philadelphia, like many other cities, is feeling these detrimental effects. In recent years, we’ve seen extreme heat waves, which are only getting worse⁴. This summer, the city experienced record-breaking heat, putting vulnerable populations, like the elderly and those without access to air conditioning, at serious risk⁵. The increased heat not only threatens our health but also strains our energy infrastructure, leading to power outages and increased costs for everyone.

We’ve also faced heavier and more frequent rainstorms, leading to flash flooding. In 2021 remnants of Hurricane Ida devastated parts of Philadelphia, flooding streets, homes, and the Schuylkill River, causing millions of dollars in damage and displacing families⁶. Events like this are becoming more common as climate change makes storms stronger and more unpredictable, not to mention more expensive. Yet, despite these clear signs, politicians like Vance continue to prioritize their own interests over those of the American people. Even long-time environmental advocate RFK Jr., known for taking on polluters in court, has recently pivoted to support climate-denier Donald Trump.

A CALL FOR MORE FOSSIL FUELS

During the recent Republican National Convention, Trump and his supporters made it clear: they want to “DRILL BABY DRILL”. Trump dismissed concerns over global warming as overblown, even making jokes about it at a rally in Chesapeake, Virginia, during the hottest June on record globally⁷. "Global warming is fine," Trump said. "In fact, I heard it was going to be very warm today. It’s fine." This kind of flippant attitude is not just irresponsible—it’s reckless. Nearly three-quarters of Americans believe the government should be doing more to fight global warming on an international level⁸. Ignoring the majority of us who want action is a betrayal and blatant disregard for the future of our country.

TRUMP’S DETRIMENTAL CLIMATE RECORD

Let’s not forget Trump’s track record… One of his most damaging actions as president was pulling the United States out of the Paris Agreement, an international accord aimed at keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius⁹. This decision isolated us from global efforts to combat climate change and sent a message to the world that America doesn’t care about the future of the planet–a message that couldn't be further from the truth.

Trump’s administration also rolled back crucial environmental protections. He weakened fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks, one of the largest sources of carbon emissions in the U.S., and dismantled the Clean Power Plan, which was designed to reduce carbon pollution from power plants. Not only did this increase emissions—it completely slowed our progress toward a clean energy future, leaving us more reliant on fossil fuels¹⁰.

Trump’s disdain for renewable energy is well-documented. He falsely claimed that wind turbines cause cancer and mocked solar energy¹¹. Instead of investing in the clean energy solutions we need, he prioritized oil, gas, and coal, opening up protected areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling¹². Under his leadership, the U.S. became the world’s largest producer of oil¹³. This is the exact opposite of what we need to be doing to combat climate change.

PROJECT 2025: A BLUEPRINT FOR DISASTER

Trump’s allies have introduced Project 2025, a plan for a future Republican administration that calls for erasing any mention of climate change across the government¹³. Although Trump has publicly attempted to distance himself from this initiative, claiming to have no direct involvement, key figures behind Project 2025 have insisted that Trump is fully supportive. They suggest that his distancing is merely a strategic move to avoid alienating moderate voters who might be wary of such drastic changes¹⁴. They even want to target the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), accusing it of being part of the "climate change alarm industry." NOAA is crucial for educating the public about climate science and understanding the impacts of global warming. Silencing NOAA means silencing the truth about what’s happening to our planet.

THE URGENCY OF NOW

We’re at a tipping point. Electing leaders who deny the existence of climate change or mock its impacts will push us closer to climate catastrophe. Here in Philadelphia, we are already experiencing the effects firsthand: extreme heat, flooding, and rising energy costs. These aren’t hypothetical scenarios—they’re our reality. Scientists have made it clear: we need immediate action to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, like rising sea levels, more severe weather events, and the collapse of ecosystems and agriculture¹⁵. As one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, we have a responsibility to lead the fight against climate change, not drag our feet.

The reality is–our future is on the line. The choices we make in November will have lasting impacts on the planet and on all of us who live here. We need leaders who are willing to listen to science, take the climate crisis seriously, and commit to a sustainable and just future. We can’t afford to go back. The choice is clear and the time to act is now. We are running out of time!

Sources:

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