With President-elect Joe Biden confirmed as the winner of the 2020 presidential election, he and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris face a daunting challenge in addressing various environmental issues.
The climate change team nominated by Mr. Biden includes former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm for the Department of Energy, Congresswoman Deb Haaland for Secretary of the Interior, and Michael Regan for Administrator of the EPA.
One of the first pledged actions include re-entering the Paris Climate Agreement, a treaty adopted by 196 parties in an effort to tackling climate change. Under President Trump, America had formally withdrawn from the pact, which makes its return symbolically important.
Some of the notable goals set by the Biden Administration includes:
- Make US electricity production carbon-free by 2035
- Dedicate $2 trillion over four years in driving down emissions
- Invest in electric vehicles, achieving net zero by 2050
- "Put America back in the business of leading the world on climate change"
2020 will bring more than a shift in political power in America; we can look forward to a different attitude towards the climate crisis, and the implementation of different policies and efforts. It is important to note that, while the Georgia Senate runoff results could shift the Senate power to the Democrats, it is more likely that the Republicans will retain their majority, making it more difficult for Biden to create radical change. While audacious, the vision of the Biden administration is certainly refreshing and inspiring.