We’ve come to understand, through years of scientific research and increasingly harsh realities, that climate change is undeniable. In the U.S., barely any locality is entirely shielded from its effects. Some changes hit us quickly, like flash floods, while others creep up, such as rising sea levels. But, they’re all very real—and they seem to be getting worse.
These consequences stem from human choices, primarily our dependence on fossil fuels. Shockingly, fossil fuels still provide about 86% of the world’s energy. The absence of political will to shift this paradigm puts us at odds with nature, ourselves, and future generations.
This situation leads to a kind of cognitive dissonance—basically, the discomfort we feel when our actions contradict our beliefs. A Gallup poll reveals that 63% of Americans acknowledge that global warming is occurring, and, impressively, nearly half consider it a serious threat to their lifestyles. Yet, many Americans still choose to live in areas at high risk of climate-related disasters.
Interestingly, about 52% believe that global warming should be a top priority for the President and Congress. There’s strong support, around 70%, for shifting towards 100% clean energy by mid-century, and nearly 80% want the U.S. to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement.
Yet, we continue to accept government policies on climate and energy that often go against what many Americans desire.
The clash over national energy policy has evolved into a struggle not just between political parties but also between two energy futures. One is rooted in fossil fuels, which have powered economic growth for centuries but come at a steep environmental cost. Extracting these fuels damages the planet and public health, altering the very climate conditions that have sustained life for thousands of years.
The alternative energy sources—like sunlight, wind, and water—are plentiful, accessible, and sustainable. They offer the chance to break free from the cycle of foreign oil dependence and monopoly utility control.
Shifting from traditional energy to sustainable options is fraught with challenges, yet it feels increasingly essential. Scientists assert that to stabilize the climate, about two-thirds of known fossil fuel reserves must remain untapped. This recommendation may seem unfeasible given the economic implications, valued at around $20 trillion, which understandably makes the fossil fuel industry resistant to change.
The political landscape shifted in the 1990s when the Republican Party veered away from supporting climate initiatives, aligning instead with fossil fuel interests, which backs them in return with substantial funding. Some analyses point to the oil sector spending around $450 million on campaigning, advertising, and lobbying, certainly influencing Congress, particularly during the upcoming 2024 elections.
This dissonance—between our political actions and the stark physical realities—creates a generational divide. Research published eight years ago in a reputable health journal concluded that climate change is significantly affecting young people’s mental health. For instance, the Oregon Department of Health noted in 2020 that youth were experiencing stress and anxiety due to perceived inaction on climate issues. Climate denial remains a persistent challenge; it’s complex and rooted in psychological factors, from ideological biases to fears about the future.
Denial can surface in visible ways or quietly. Some outright reject the need for change, which seems irrational given the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate issues. Others might acknowledge the facts but fail to act, despite worsening weather patterns.
However, there are signs of progress. In Florida, developers have constructed a large community designed to withstand hurricanes, featuring solar farms and innovative infrastructure to minimize extreme weather impacts. Following Hurricane Milton, residents found refuge and power amid chaos.
The insurance industry is exploring creative ways to keep costs manageable while mitigating losses, like community-based catastrophe insurance, which offers protective coverage at reduced rates through collective purchasing.
Moreover, there’s growing interest in relocating people and property from high-risk areas, though it remains uncommon due to inadequate federal support. Nonetheless, some localized efforts have successfully reduced flood exposures significantly in places that have undertaken managed retreats.
To effectively diminish dissonance, the path is clear. Congress established guidelines through the American Basic Environmental Law in 1970, emphasizing the need for sustainable harmony between humanity and nature. Only time will tell if we can fulfill this promise.
What we already know is troubling: as extreme weather increasingly disrupts lives, it’s critical to ensure these challenges don’t become the norm.
William S. Becker, a former U.S. Energy Division staffer and founder of Excellence for Sustainable Development during the Clinton administration, discusses these issues in his book, illustrating the plight of communities marginalized by climate issues and proposing potential reforms.
