Americans are coming together to counter climate change, taking up the call of responsible stewardship. Have you heard about these 10 ways Americans are taking action?
1. Cutting power sector carbon emissions
The Obama administration has announced standards to reduce carbon pollution from U.S. power plants. When the President’s Clean Power Plan is fully in place by 2030, carbon pollution from the power sector will be 32 percent below 2005 levels.
2. Leading the way with other large economies
America and China, the world’s two largest economies, jointly announced plans to combat the global threat of climate change.
3. Redesigning cities to be greener
Cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, are finding smart ways to grow green: Through rethinking transportation, updating building codes and promoting renewable energy, cities offer local solutions.
4. Investing billions in clean energy
The U.S. is investing in renewables: It has tripled production of wind power since 2008 and increased its solar power production twentyfold.
5. Taking private sector action
Major U.S. corporations, including Google, Apple and Wal-Mart, are taking the American Business Act on Climate Pledge and making responsible environmental policy a priority.
6. Improving fuel standards for cars and trucks
New rules on reducing transportation emissions from cars and trucks will cut billions of tons of greenhouse gas every year.
7. Capturing carbon
Technology that takes pollutants from factories and traps them underground has already removed the equivalent of 2 million cars’ annual emissions.
8. Collaborating to get it right
With partnerships around the world, the U.S. advances climate solutions. In India, for example, these collaborations include energy entrepreneurs, the finance sector and universities.
9. Taking individual action
From new lightbulbs to new bikes, Americans are taking steps that make a difference.
10. Assessing security risks
In an address to graduates of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, President Obama said that rising seas and stronger storms are threats to national security and will require disaster-response missions. “And we need the Coast Guard to be ready, because you are America’s maritime first responder,” he said.
