I had always realized that global warming was a problem, but this CQ reader chapter put everything in perspective and opened my eyes to the policy issues surrounding this sensitive topic. Obama’s Clean Power Plan represented a major effort to combat rampant greenhouse emissions responsible for this climate change but it was met with major resistance from republicans and others dependent on fossil fuels emissions for their economic self-interests. The core issue here, and the main source of conflict, comes down to a question of what’s more important: public health or the nation’s economic growth?
Personally, where I stand on the issue is completely on the side of public health. The concern that removing fossil fuels or cutting greenhouse emissions will reduce jobs and contribute to lower economic growth is indeed a valid one. However, the truth is that such a problem, while hard to deal with, is still very much resolvable in the long run. The other alternative –continuing on our dangerous fossil fuel escapade– will result in irreparable damage to our environment and to the health of future generations which cannot be remedied easily in the same way. Therefore, the major take away for me after this reading this chapter is that nothing will improve until we all agree to unite on this issue and get past the many policy hurdles in our way.
Public health often doesn’t get enough attention.