Introduction
Governments and other concerned organizations establish climate change initiatives to help mitigate the negative issues presented and those likely to be faced if the problem persists. Global warming has constantly been experienced over the years due to ongoing human activities such as deforestation and industrialization. Critical solutions, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, need to be implemented to minimize the possible effects of these emissions.
The United States government has been at the forefront of implementing change, ensuring that emissions reach zero and other potential pollutants are mitigated. Forests and oceans are essential in regulating climate change, hence the need to be protected at all costs. Trees absorb carbon dioxide in large quantities from the environment, hence the need to increase their number. The U.S. government implemented initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and establish clean energy standards, aiming to combat climate change and enhance the longevity of both the planet and its inhabitants.
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Targets
Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) is primary in the fight against climate pollution. Major producers of the unwanted gases are factories and cars that make use of petrol and diesel (International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, 2020). America set this initiative to attain a 52 percent reduction in greenhouse gas production by 2030 compared to the recorded levels in 2005 (Environment and Natural Resources, 2023; United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2023).
On the international stage, President Biden’s administration worked with the European Union to help reduce methane emissions by 30 percent in ten years (US EPA, 2023). Implementing the strategy required the intervention of several stakeholders, including the federal government, the energy industrial sector, and the European Union, in the global enactment. The GHG fund, totaling about 27 billion dollars, was to be invested to meet the target of 2050 (Gross, 2020).
Measuring the initiative’s success was conducted using the environmental sustainability metrics. The key performance indicator (KPI) used includes carbon dioxide emissions reduction in kilotons (US EPA, 2023). Computing the success rate before the timeline elapses is critical in gauging whether or not the initiative is attainable.
Specific actions need to be taken to attain global warming change action. The use of non-renewable energy needs to be completely prohibited or reduced if there is a need to decrease the amount of GHG emissions (Stoddard et al., 2021; European Environment Agency, 2017). Alternative power sources such as bioenergy and solar energy should be adopted instead of using sources that result in air pollution (Stoddard et al., 2021; United Nations Environment Programme, 2021). I chose the mentioned action plan, which outlines the most common pollution agent witnessed worldwide. Knowing this initiative equips one with an understanding of its consequences and how to mitigate the life-threatening issue.
Clean Energy Standard (CES) Proposal
Using renewable energy sources is critical to attaining the sustainable goals of climate change. The American government adopted the Clean Energy Standard (CES) initiative to help mitigate the consequences of global warming. The Biden administration made a renewable energy proposal to attain clean electricity that is 100 percent carbon-free by 2035 (Gross, 2020). The mentioned action plan is part of a broader effort to reduce the increasing rate of greenhouse gases. Major stakeholders that facilitated the change were the company associations and the National Climate Task Force, which comprised several leaders from some government agencies (Gross, 2020).
The initiative had a timeline of up to 2050, when a net-zero emission rate was expected to be met (US EPA, 2023). The government planned to ensure 100 percent access to renewable energy sources by 2035, hence zero fossil fuel use in producing electricity (US EPA, 2023). The transition was made possible through private investments and the GHG fund from the federal government.
Establishing the success of this action plan relied on a critical analysis of the involved companies and how they adopted change. Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Procedures were used to assess the success rate of attaining renewable energy sources in every state (Gross, 2020). The process helped track how the change is taking place and if the goal can be achieved. Specific actions, such as easy access to Clean Energy sources like nuclear power, wind, water, and solar, must be increased to make the initiative attainable (Gross, 2020).
Limiting the use of fossil fuels is also critical in realizing the plan. I selected the above initiative as it guides users on what energy sources are good and do not pollute the environment. Clean energy will eradicate any further pollution of the earth, which makes it uninhabitable. The table below compares the GHG emissions and renewable energy initiatives adopted by the American government to combat climate change.
Table 1 – Initiative Comparison
Strengths and Weaknesses of the GHG Reduction Action Plan
The GHG reduction initiative has an impact on the environment and on those who implement it. The positive effects of adopting this initiative include reducing the release of harmful gases and promoting biodiversity conservation (Environment and Natural Resources, 2023; European Environment Agency, 2017). Through it, climate change is mitigated and the ecosystem is preserved, thereby increasing organisms’ life expectancy.
Health improvements are achieved when the air breathed is of good quality, thus preventing respiratory issues. International relations are occasionally hastened by cooperation among nations to achieve GHG reductions through various action plans (Yanbing, 2023). Economic and technological limitations are likely to be experienced, as implementing the initiative may require higher investment, and some industries may face technical barriers.
Accurate recording of emission data can be challenging, limiting the accurate measurement and reporting of information related to the initiative’s success (Yanbing, 2023). Developed and developing nations’ ability to adopt reduction measures can vary, thus preventing global cooperation (Yanbing, 2023). Some strategies can be implemented to improve the initiative’s success and achieve better outcomes.
Recommendations and Ideas
Companies can adopt strategies to limit global warming by reducing air pollution. Bicycle racks for workers and visitors can be available in parking lots to encourage non-pollutant transportation (Maradin, 2021). Large institutions can help in reducing pollution by operating with low-carbon-emitting vehicles and adequately maintaining them to prevent the emission of harmful gases (International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, 2020). The firms can invest in electric transport, such as acquiring electric motorcycles and cars, not fuel-powered ones. Governments need to offer free electric vehicle charging stations across the country. Public transport should be made available, and the public should be sensitized on its usefulness rather than opting for personal transportation.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Clean Energy Initiative
Using renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources has both positive and negative impacts. Using clean energy positively impacts the environment because it does not cause air pollution (Maradin, 2021; Ritchie, 2021). It helps fight climate change brought about by the prevalence of greenhouse gases. Air and water quality improve because no contaminants are emitted after using these sources. Reduced health costs are also achieved because no illnesses are experienced due to contamination.
Renewable sources provide a more sustainable energy solution as they are not limited (Maradin, 2021). Clean energy is reliable, thereby increasing energy security, unlike fossil fuels, which cannot be replenished. Innovation and job creation are attained as appropriate energy sources are developed, stimulating economic growth. A stable energy supply can be disrupted when renewable sources such as solar and wind are used, making the initiative less reliable in varying weather conditions (Yanbing, 2023). Installing clean energy infrastructure for large consumers is very costly, making it challenging to implement with limited funds.
Recommendations and Ideas
Implementing the renewable energy initiative can be conducted by setting clear objectives. Governments must provide a suitable investment environment by formulating supportive policies to attract investors to the clean energy sector (Stoddard et al., 2021). Funds must be allocated for research on more advanced technologies to improve efficiency. Financial support, such as subsidies and grants, can be provided to businesses to encourage investment in reliable, environmentally friendly renewable energy projects (Yanbing, 2023). The utilization of expertise and resources can be advocated by encouraging collaboration between private and public figures.
Conclusion and Reflection
Fossil fuels and other inputs contribute to air and water pollution, thereby driving climate change. Preventing global warming requires implementing appropriate strategies to mitigate the problem. The American government established GHG reduction and renewable energy initiatives to help avert a climate crisis. Funds were set aside to support the implementation of the action plan.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires the use of alternative energy sources such as solar and wind. Clean energy is highly recommended as it is efficient and environmentally friendly. Implementing the initiatives had its successes and challenges, including achieving good health due to high-quality air and the high costs of facilitating change. The two approaches can be promoted by using transport modes such as electric cars and bicycles, which support a green environment.
The two initiatives are crucial to successfully mitigating climate change in both developed and developing countries. As a future leader in disaster and emergency management, I would adopt both strategies depending on the need and capabilities a situation presents. The GHG reduction action plan provides helpful insight into the relevance of risk assessment and planning. Through it, I can address an issue’s root cause and provide appropriate strategies to limit the event. The Clean Energy initiative has helped me realize the impact of renewable energy on power resilience, which is helpful in communication systems and critical infrastructure, especially during emergencies.
References
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European Environment Agency. (2017). Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in Europe: Enhancing coherence of the knowledge base, policies and practices [Report No. 15/2017]. Publishing Office of the European Union.
Gross, S. (2020). The United States can take climate change seriously while leading the world in oil and gas production. Brookings Institution.
International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. (2020). Movement ambitions to address the climate crisis.
Maradin, D. (2021). Advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy sources utilization. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 11(3), 176–183.
Ritchie, H. (2021). The world has lost one-third of its forest, but an end of deforestation is possible. Our World in Data, University of Oxford.
Stoddard, I., Anderson, K., Capstick, S., Carton, W., Depledge, J., Facer, K., Gough, C., Hache, F., Hoolohan, C., Hultman, M., Hällström, N., Kartha, S., Klinsky, S., Kuchler, M., Lövbrand, E., Nasiritousi, N., Newell, P., Peters, G. P., Sokona, Y., & Stirling, A. (2021). Three decades of climate mitigation: Why haven’t we bent the global emissions curve? Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 46(1), 653–688.
United Nations Environment Programme. (2021). First draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework [working group agenda]. Convention on Biological Diversity.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Climate change regulatory actions and initiatives.
Yanbing, L. (2023). Transitioning to sustainable energy: Opportunities, challenges, and the potential of blockchain technology. Frontiers in Energy Research, 11(1), 1–20.