2018 is on track to be the fourth hottest year on record, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The NOAA found the start of the year to be warmer than previous years and climate change seems to be a deciding factor.
President Donald Trump announced in June of last year that the United States would no longer participate in the United Nations’ Paris Agreement. By ceasing from the agreement, the United States is no longer bound to the terms; however, the U.S. cannot officially withdraw from the agreement until Nov. 4, 2020. The agreement, signed in December of 2015, intended to work on the effects of greenhouse gases. This agreement was a collaboration composed of 196 countries, including the United States, to reduce the effects of greenhouse gases. This lead to climate change policies becoming the responsibility of each individual state.
One way to determine the efficiency of a state’s climate change policies includes observing that state’s greenhouse gas emissions. According to The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the greenhouse effect occurs when gases create an atmosphere where sunlight can pass but heat cannot, and is therefore pushed back onto the surface of the planet.
Mark Stephan, a professor at WSU Vancouver, is currently researching climate change policies on a sub-national level. His influence in studying this field comes from past research that looked into air pollution.
With temperatures rising globally, a climate change solution seems as though it would only come from a national level. Yet, it is important to consider the impact small communities have.
“Almost all climate change policies are occurring at a state level,” Stephan said.
Stephan looks into the climate change policies that different states have, or in some cases, do not have, and finds connections between the greenhouse gas emissions of each state.
While research on what the most effective climate change policies are continue to evolve, policies are notably important. According to Stephan, “States that are the most active with a variety of policies [have fewer greenhouse gases].”
What can students do to affect climate change?
Looking into the state legislature and determining what courses of action each state wants to take is one starting point. Washington state is currently in a legislative time frame that sets minimum limits on greenhouse gases in 2020, 2035 and 2050. Through this legislature, Washington state has set a goal to lower greenhouse gas levels to the same level in 1990. By 2035 the greenhouse gas emission would be 25 percent lower than 1990 and 50 percent lower in 2050.
To get involved in the climate change policies students can also research state Legislature before voting. The Washington state primary elections happened Aug.7, with general elections on Nov. 6.
To find a specific district or to learn more about candidates, visit the elections and voting page for Washington’s secretary of state at https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/current/Legislative.html.
Another important thing students can do is looking into their own carbon footprint – the calculation of how much carbon dioxide a single person produces over time through certain activities. There are many ways to try to improve greenhouse gas emissions. Driving a car or using electricity produces carbon dioxide, which leads to the greenhouse effect. Water transportation uses a great amount of energy, increasing an individual’s carbon footprint. By simply cutting down your shower time or shutting off the faucet when brushing your teeth, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint.
Eating food that does not require cooking or man-made greenhouse gas emitters can also dwindle a person’s carbon footprint. Setting up a carpool system to get to and from campus is another simple way. Washington residents can also reduce their carbon footprint by going coal-free. This means contacting local energy providers and learning about the origins of the electricity Washington households typically use. Although coal-free electricity helps reduce the carbon footprint, switching can come with additional charges.
While climate change may seem like an overwhelming obstacle for one person, everyone can affect the greenhouse gas levels in many ways such as looking into local climate change legislature, voting for adequate change or lobbying electric companies for clean energy.