When it comes to climate change, the United States is far from a role model. You might think that Hurricane Harvey, or Hurricane Maria, or last year’s catastrophic wildfire season, or this year’s deadly freezes, would inspire change. But decades of leaders largely ignored the signs of impending climate disaster, and they’ve refused to meaningfully acknowledge the communities of color most threatened by this crisis. In fact, the U.S. has actually historically terrorized those who take environmental action — just look at how the government has responded to Indigenous communities at Standing Rock and elsewhere.
As part of his presidential campaign, however, Joe Biden made climate change a major component of his platform. With his initial $1.7 trillion proposal, put forth in 2019 when he was a presidential candidate, Biden incorporated aspects of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (N.Y.) Green New Deal and vowed to not take fossil fuel money for his campaign. He also acknowledged the young people who have been leading the movement: During a virtual fundraiser in July 2020, he said, “I want young climate activists, young people everywhere, to know: I see you. I hear you. I understand the urgency, and together we can get this done.”
