July 18, 2019
Over the years, the climate of the earth has changed significantly, in a manner detrimental to the survival of human life. The sea levels and surface temperature have risen. As a result, many wildfires have popped up, doing deadly damage. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Ed Markey have outlined a new solution for America called the Green New Deal, which combines President Roosevelt’s New Deal with a more modernized approach to today’s problems. The new approach may slow the progress of climate change and provide the opportunity to create more jobs. So, what exactly is the Green New Deal and how can it help us? Below, we will look at some key points of this new policy approach.
Clean Energy
The Green New Deal seeks a switch to cleaner energy, which includes renewable and zero-emission energy sources. This will be made possible by enhancing the capabilities of renewable energy sources. The smart grids will also make energy distribution more efficient and make sure low-income families can afford it.
Affordability
With the Green New Deal influencing current and new buildings to become more energy efficient, low-income families can also enjoy this perk with their homes as well. The policy will also encourage public transportation to go green by investing in zero-emission vehicles and making them more affordable and reliable.
Buy Clean
One aspect of the Green New Deal also concerns the Buy Clean law. This law entails that companies must buy goods that are made with clean and efficient methods. Every year, a large amount of money is spent to buy materials to create goods, however the methods involved in producing these goods could potentially harm the environment. Under the Green New Deal, products purchased should not be made in ways that would harm the air, water, or land in any way.
Extreme Weather Relief
With an increase in temperature of the earth’s surface, sea levels have risen to a dangerous level, wildfires have become more frequent, and other severe weather conditions have developed. This has led to a huge loss in annual output in the United States and will affect many forest areas, coastal areas, and coral reefs. The Green New Deal would help many communities build infrastructures capable of withstanding the weather. This includes building bridges to reduce the effect of floods and making sure coastlines are reinforced to resist the rising sea level.
Natural Ecosystem
With the increase in human population, many forests have been plundered to create room for the construction of cities and buildings. This has disturbed the natural ecosystem. However, the Green New Deal also protects wildlife and its ecosystem. With the Green New Deal, greenhouse gases will be eliminated, and pollution will be reduced as much as possible. The natural ecosystem will be restored through technology which will ensure afforestation and the safeguarding of landscapes. Other technological projects would spur biodiversity and strengthen local ecosystems.
Equality
Throughout United States history, there has always been a racial gap in status and wealth. An average white family could have up to 20 times more wealth than an average black family. There is also a large disparity in the earnings of men and women. Women typically make about 80 percent of what men make. The Green New Deal would promote equality among races and genders. The new job opportunities this policy would create would give the low-income communities priority. Other initiatives would also give these communities priority.
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By Kasey Liu
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