We’re All in This Together
Climate change: How Europe and America are tackling the issue
By Sofie Dejaegher
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues our society faces today. We are all contributing to this global phenomenon, and we will all feel its effects. Two of the biggest polluters in the world are Europe and the United States. Both are currently taking steps to address the issue. Although they have different approaches, there is much to be hopeful about when it comes to the progress being made on reducing emissions and transitioning to renewable energy.
The European Union has a record for being at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change.
With the European Green Deal, which consists of policy initiatives targeted at creating a green transition to reach climate neutrality by 2050, the EU demonstrates a willingness to combat climate change. However, many critics argue that the plan lacks details on how to reach its ambitious goals, that it might not be economically feasible, or that it is still not ambitious enough. In spite of this, no one can argue that policies and regulations such as the EU Emissions Trading System, which puts a price on carbon emissions, and the Renewable Energy Directive, which sets targets for the share of renewable energy in the overall EU energy mix, are measures that should be commended. And these measures can make a significant impact on whether we achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
In the United States, the situation has been more inconsistent.
In 1998, the Kyoto Protocol was signed by President Clinton, but never ratified by Congress. More recently in November 2020 the United States left the Paris Agreement. But only to rejoin a few months later in February 2021. Both the Kyoto protocol and the Paris Agreement are international treaties aimed at limiting global warming.
Our country’s incoherent stance on participating in climate change mitigation efforts has caused a sense of distrust in the international community. However, in August 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act. This marked the most significant action the country has taken in the fight against climate change. With its substantial funding of clean energy and climate change solutions, the Inflation Reduction Act proves that the United States is once again a reliable partner in the world’s fight against climate change.
Despite their different approaches, it is important to remember that the United States and Europe share a common goal. Namely, to limit the impact of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for all. As the famous American environmentalist and author, Rachel Carson, once said, “In nature, nothing exists alone.”
