Why is Biden being pressured to declare climate change as a national emergency, and would it really curb emissions or natural disasters?

What Would Happen if Climate Change is Declared a National Emergency?

Climate change has been a serious problem for a while now, but with the wildfire smoke soaring through the U.S. after the Canadian wildfires, dwindling air quality across the East Coast this past summer, and the horrific wildfires in Maui – many Americans are beginning to insist that Biden declares climate change as a national emergency.

👉 What would declaring climate change as a national emergency do, how likely is Biden to do it, and what effect would it really have on the country’s carbon footprint and current natural disasters?

Why was Biden receiving pressure to declare climate change as a national emergency?

After one crisis induced by climate change after another, many Americans have finally had enough – with many advocates now pressuring Biden to declare climate change as a national emergency.

Much of this pressure comes after multiple climate-change related incidents and disasters after another – with deadly wildfires, floods, droughts, bizarre weather patterns in California, an increase in bugs, the planet having its hottest day on record, and new vulnerability to power grids alongside these increasing temperatures. 

In fact, the U.S. has already had 23 "billion dollar disasters" this year alone –  depleting the U.S. of a whopping $58 billion in disaster repairs, recoveries, and even reparations – with natural disasters this year alone claiming 253 lives.

President Biden is facing pressures from climate activists and Democrats to declare climate change a national emergency after the devastating wildfire in Maui. NBC News’ Hallie Jackson has more.

» Subscribe to NBC News: http://nbcnews.to/SubscribeToNBC
» Watch more NBC video: http://bit.ly/MoreNBCNews

NBC News Digital is a collection of innovative and powerful news brands that deliver compelling, diverse and engaging news stories. NBC News Digital features NBCNews.com, MSNBC.com, TODAY.com, Nightly News, Meet the Press, Dateline, and the existing apps and digital extensions of these respective properties.  We deliver the best in breaking news, live video coverage, original journalism and segments from your favorite NBC News Shows.

Connect with NBC News Online!
NBC News App: https://smart.link/5d0cd9df61b80
Breaking News Alerts: https://link.nbcnews.com/join/5cj/breaking-news-signup?cid=sm_npd_nn_yt_bn-clip_190621
Visit NBCNews.Com: http://nbcnews.to/ReadNBC
Find NBC News on Facebook: http://nbcnews.to/LikeNBC
Follow NBC News on Twitter: http://nbcnews.to/FollowNBC
Get more of NBC News delivered to your inbox: nbcnews.com/newsletters

#NBCNews #Biden #ClimateChange

Biden urged to declare climate change a national emergency

Activists are pushing for Biden to declare an official national emergency, believing that more needs to be done despite Biden’s previous efforts to rectify climate change. 

What will happen to climate change in the U.S. now that Trump is president-elect?

Now that Trump has been elected as the 47th president of the United States, it’s clear that climate change will be put on the back burner once more – with the U.S. administration likely to pull out of the Paris Agreement, cut back on climate legislation, and follow through on Trump’s infamous model, “drill, baby, drill.”

All of these efforts to boost the economy and other incentives to refine American culture to Christian nationalism, especially, under Project 2025, will deter the U.S. from prioritising any climate goals in the near future. 

👉 Furthermore, Trump has always made clear that he is skeptical of climate change in of itself – making it unlikely that the Trump administration will view climate change as a national emergency. 

The table below depicts the differences between Biden and Trump's climate change policies:

<table border="1" cellpadding="10">
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Policy Area</th>
      <th>Biden's Approach</th>
      <th>Trump's Approach</th>
      <th>Potential Impact of Policy Reversal</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Climate Change and International Agreements</td>
      <td>Rejoined the Paris Agreement, committing to net-zero emissions by 2050 and aiming for a 50-52% reduction by 2030</td>
      <td>Withdrew from the Paris Agreement, emphasising national sovereignty over international climate commitments</td>
      <td>Reversal may reduce U.S. participation in global climate goals, affecting international cooperation and progress</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Fossil Fuels and Renewable Energy</td>
      <td>Supports renewable energy expansion, with funding for solar, wind, and electric vehicle infrastructure</td>
      <td>Promoted fossil fuel industries, reduced regulations on oil and gas drilling, and rolled back renewable energy incentives</td>
      <td>A shift back to fossil fuels may slow clean energy growth, increase greenhouse gas emissions, and hinder job creation in renewables</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Environmental Regulations</td>
      <td>Restored and strengthened EPA regulations on emissions, air, and water quality standards</td>
      <td>Rolled back numerous EPA regulations to reduce business costs, prioritising economic growth over environmental restrictions</td>
      <td>Reversals could weaken environmental protections, leading to poorer air and water quality and increased health risks</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Public Lands and Conservation</td>
      <td>Expanded protections for federal lands and reinstated national monument boundaries reduced under Trump</td>
      <td>Reduced the size of national monuments, opening public lands for oil, gas, and mineral extraction</td>
      <td>A return to reduced protections may lead to increased resource extraction, affecting biodiversity and ecosystems</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Carbon Emissions and Industrial Pollution</td>
      <td>Implemented stricter emissions targets and promoted policies to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas sector</td>
      <td>Loosened emissions standards for industries, including coal plants, arguing it would benefit the economy and job market</td>
      <td>Looser emissions standards may result in higher greenhouse gases and pollution, potentially worsening climate impacts</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Transportation and Infrastructure</td>
      <td>Invested in green infrastructure and electric vehicle (EV) incentives, with targets for 50% EV sales by 2030</td>
      <td>Supported traditional infrastructure projects, with limited emphasis on green or sustainable technology</td>
      <td>Reversals could reduce EV adoption rates and limit green infrastructure, affecting long-term emission reductions</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>


What was Biden’s policy on climate change?

Biden has previously said that the biggest threat to human existence is climate change, which was a large part of his campaign for presidency alongside vice president Kamala Harris – where they both advocated to implement policies to fight against climate change and reduce emissions in the country once and for all.

On some fronts, Biden has held up to his promise – passing a revolutionary climate bill (better known as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022) last summer that allocated a whopping $369 billion towards the transition to the use of clean energy by enticing Americans with a tax incentive for those who pick the more energy efficient option when shopping – such as by choosing an electric car over a gasoline powered one.

The Biden administration has also helped to protect forests in the country, most notably with the Tongass National Forest – as Biden repealed the Roadless Rule in order to prevent the state of Alaska from turning much of it into a commercial resort. As a result, the wildlife in the Tongass National Forest will be protected, biodiversity will be supported, and the vast amount of trees can help to absorb excessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Most notably, Biden made sure to re-join the Paris Climate Agreement after Trump infamously withdrew the country from the well-known climate treaty – a prime selling point that Biden used during his campaign to demonstrate his dedication towards environmental reform. 

However, many are beginning to wonder if Biden has been as climate-forward as he promised he initially promised to be.

Why are Americans losing confidence in Biden’s stance on climate change?

During his campaign, Biden promised to reduce oil and gas drilling – something that Biden hasn’t satisfied many of his supporters with. 

For example, Biden approved of the Conocophillips’ Willow Project – an oil drilling project set to take place in the North Slope of Alaska, which has left many confused on where Biden really stands when it comes to climate change. In fact, Biden has approved of more oil drilling projects in his presidency than Trump did during his term. 

Still, Biden has remained adamant towards his commitment to climate change – stating that he has, “practically” declared climate change as a national emergency – angering many pressuring him to declare it an official emergency, which he has not.

Many advocates pressured Biden to declare it as a national emergency, calling Biden out on the operative word, “practically” – as they have pointed out Biden’s continued agency to partake in oil drilling projects.

In addition to this, as debates for the 2024 presidential election begin – climate change will be the subject of many of these debates, and Biden may be left to further scrutiny for the oil projects he has approved of while in office. For many, the only hope left for Biden to prove his loyalty to rectifying global warming would be to declare climate change as a national emergency while he is still serving his term as president. 

How would declaring a national emergency on climate change satisfy these advocates pressuring Biden?

What could Biden do if he declared climate change as a national emergency?

“Practically” declaring a climate emergency and officially declaring one are two completely different things. 

If Biden is to officially declare climate change as a national emergency, a lot of mitigation efforts could be put into full-swing at full-speed without the need to discuss it with parliament or require further approval.

Think of the president declaring a national emergency like unlocking a super power in a video game. Oftentimes, super powers in video games allow for extra lives, special powers, shortcuts, or the ability to be invincible. This is very similar to the powers granted by the President of the United States when one is to declare a national emergency of any kind.

Declaring a national emergency on climate change would unlock special abilities to be used by Biden – with a long list of climate change reform tactics that could be implemented almost immediately. For example, he could put a ban on crude oil exports, completely suspend offshore oil and gas drilling projects, and even move money from the military to be used for developing new renewable energy projects.

This isn’t some new, secret super power being brought to everyone’s attention now – the power to declare a national emergency has been an option for presidents ever since the National Emergencies Act of 1976. Even though a national emergency can only last a year, it can always be renewed until climate change would be considered under control.

There would be two major expectations on behalf of Biden if he were to declare an official climate emergency. 

One would be to use his new capabilities to make use of the Defense Production Act, which could accelerate the production of clean energy technologies and implement them throughout the country at the quicker pace it desperately needs. This is the same thing that Trump did during the pandemic in order to ensure vaccines would be made fast enough to deter the pandemic from spreading further. 

Second, he would be expected to pass more direct bills or pieces of climate legislation to make progress – as some victims of these climate crises, such as those in Hawaii, will not benefit from the green incentives expressed in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

President Joe Biden on Monday told survivors of Hawaii’s wildfires that the nation “grieves with you” and promised that the federal government will help “for as long as it takes” Maui to recover from damage caused by the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.

Biden arrived in Maui 13 days after fire ravaged the western part of the island, killing at least 115 people. Standing near a severely burned 150-year-old banyan tree, the president acknowledged the “overwhelming” devastation but said that Maui would persevere through the tragedy.


“Today it’s burned but it’s still standing," Biden said of the tree. "The tree survived for a reason. I believe it's a very powerful symbol of what we can and will do to get through this crisis.”


Biden and first lady Jill Biden got a close-up look at the devastation, seeing block after block of hollowed out homes and other structures, charred cars, singed trees and piles of debris as his motorcade wound through Lahaina. They spent most of their time in the historic town of 13,000 people that was virtually destroyed by the flames.

The Bidens lingered briefly on the tarmac after arriving at Kahului Airport to console Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, his wife Jaime Green and members of Hawaii's congressional delegation who greeted them. The president and first lady embraced each of their greeters before they boarded the Marine One helicopter for an aerial tour of the damage.

The Bidens also met with first responders and members of the community, and were briefed by state and local officials about the ongoing response. They also participated in a blessing of his visit by island elders. They had interrupted a weeklong vacation in the Lake Tahoe area to visit Lahaina.


Earlier Monday, the White House announced that Biden has named Bob Fenton, a regional leader at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to be the chief federal response coordinator for the Maui wildfires, overseeing the long-term recovery. It will take years to rebuild Lahaina, where just about every building was obliterated.

“We’re going to rebuild the way the people of Maui want to rebuild,” said Biden, adding that his administration would focus on respecting sacred lands, cultures and traditions.

Dozens gathered on the streets of Lahaina to watch Biden's motorcade wind its way through the community. Some greeted the president enthusiastically, but others appeared to be waving their middle fingers at the motorcade. Other island residents held up signs urging Biden “to listen to the people of Lahaina” and to send more aid.

President Joe Biden visits Hawaii after wildfires

Despite the fact that Biden has allocated over $8 million to help Hawaiians address the immediate needs following the wildfires, many are adamant that more should be done – and to some degree, they aren’t wrong. A $700 check to someone who has just lost their home isn't going to prevent another wildfire in the future.

Many remain hopeful that following Biden’s visit to Maui, that seeing the damage the wildfires have caused with his own eyes will elicit a change of heart to declare a climate emergency.

👉 If climate change is declared as a national emergency, then it would make reducing emissions and protecting the environment the country’s number one priority – at least for the short term until the situation improves.

Biden has the complete power to declare climate change as a national emergency and do all of the above, and yet he hasn’t – what could be stopping him?

What is keeping Biden from declaring a national emergency on climate change?

This question is still yet to be answered, and is unlikely to be answered by Biden himself following his previous and most recent answer that he has already “practically declared” climate change as a national emergency. One can only theorize, but there are a few reasons why Biden may be hesitant to declare an official emergency on climate change.

A big reason for Biden not to declare an official emergency may have had to do with the 2024 presidential election, as prior to Kamala Harris taking his place – he was set to run against Trump again.

While declaring such an emergency would satisfy younger generations and environmental activists, it may dishearten other people that Biden is hoping to win a vote from. It’s logical that the president may be trying to play it safe, especially as headlines are already flooded with Trump’s recent indictment – and to avoid any massive press that could intensify the current Republican GOP debates. In short, it’s best to avoid extreme measures of any kind as the debates begin – and it could make sense that Biden wants to avoid a drastic divide on this subject matter.

Many avenues that Biden has focused on throughout this presidency may be overlooked in the long run, as declaring a national emergency may show that he only cares about climate change and not the other controversial issues in the country: such as healthcare, gun violence, and abortion. This is because declaring a national emergency on climate change would insinuate that funding for these other issues in the country would be depleted and even ignored in the immediate future.

Maybe it's for semantics, but those semantics could potentially cost Biden his re-election. 

Would a national emergency really curb the country’s emissions?

The U.S. is currently the second highest emitting country in the world behind China when it comes to emitting greenhouse gas emissions, so it’s fair to wonder – would declaring a national emergency really curb a problem the country has been facing for a long time?

The truth is declaring a national emergency on climate change wouldn’t curb the country’s emissions right away – but it would be a solid start. The best comparison is to compare a national emergency on climate change to the national emergency with the Covid-pandemic – things did not get better for several months, but the country was able to turn things around quicker than if an emergency hadn’t been declared. 

All eyes are on Biden to see if he declares climate change a national emergency, something the country is in dire need of, but with his term coming to a close and re-elections around the corner – those hopeful might be crossing their fingers and toes for quite some time.

If reading this article about what would happen if Biden declares climate change as a national emergency has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

Biden would be up for a challenge with climate change declared as a national emergency, just as companies like yours are probably every day, but don’t worry  – Greenly is here to help. Click here to schedule a demo to see how Greenly can help you comply with all of the upcoming regulations relevant to your company. 

Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.

In this article, we’ll give a snapshot of Kamala Harris’s life – from her early life, education, and rise to prominence in the political world.

Who is Kamala Harris?

As everyone in the world turns their eyes to Kamala Harris following Biden dropping out of the race, many of us around the globe are trying to get a glimpse of her political career so far – such as her time serving as a prosecutor, her 2020 presidential campaign, endeavors as Vice President to Joe Biden.

👉 In this article, we’ll give a snapshot of Kamala Harris’s life – from her early life, education, and rise to prominence in the political world.

Kamala Harris is the current Vice President of the United States, serving as half of the Biden-Harris administration. 

The vice president’s political career has been full of firsts.

Subscribe to ABC News on YouTube: https://abcnews.visitlink.me/59aJ1G

ABC News Digital is your daily source of breaking national and world news, exclusive interviews and 24/7 live streaming coverage.

Download the ABC News app for the latest headlines and alerts: https://abcnews.go.com/devices

Watch 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events on ABC News Live:    • LIVE: Latest News Headlines and Event...   

Watch full episodes of World News Tonight with David Muir here:    • ABC World News Tonight with David Mui...   

Read ABC News reports online: http://abcnews.go.com

ABC News is the home to the #1 evening newscast “World News Tonight” with David Muir, “Good Morning America,” “20/20,” “Nightline,” “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos, “ABC News Live Prime” with Linsey Davis, plus the daily news podcast “Start Here.”

Connect with ABC News on social media: 
Facebook:   / abcnews   
Instagram:   / abcnews   
TikTok:   / abcnews   
X:   / abc    
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@abcnews 
LinkedIn:   / abcnews

Who is Kamala Harris? Following the Vice President's political career

Kamala Harris was born on October 20th, 1964 in Oakland, California – where she was born and raised as a native of the Bay Area.

Harris is a first generation American having been born to an Indian mother and Jamaican father, both of which helped to shape Kamala Harris’s tenacious political personality. As her parents divorced when she was six years old, Harris maintained strong familial ties with both sides of her heritage – having visited Jamaica with her father and sister several times while growing up.

💡 In addition to this, her mother was a breast cancer researcher, and raised them as women of color that could accomplish anything they set their mind to – a lasting effect on Kamala Harris that is still evident today.

After a lifetime in the Bay Area, Kamala Harris then went on to study at Howard University – a college in Washington D.C. infamous for support Black History. At Howard, Harris was on the debate team – where she got her start in public speaking and prosection skills.

Once she graduated from Howard University, Harris returned to the Bay Area to attend Law School at UC San Francisco – having graduated in 1989 and passing the bar in 1990.


Like many other political figures, Kamala Harris’s rise to prominence was slow but steady.

Here’s a timeline of Kamala Harris’s political career 

1990 – Kamala Harris is appointed as deputy distriction attorney and specialises prosecuting gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse

2004 – Harris is appointed as the first woman in San Francisco history to become district attorney

2011 – Harris was then elected California attorney general in 2011, making her the first female and person of color to ever hold the position 

2017 – Kamala Harris joins the U.S. Senate

2020 – Kamala Harris runs for the 2020 presidential election but drops out due to insufficient funds, later supporting Joe Biden and becoming his chosen Vice President

2024 – Kamala Harris runs for the Democratic nomination for the 2024 presidential election

How did Kamala Harris get her start in the political world?

After years of working in the state of California and building a political portfolio, Kamala Harris ran in the 2020 presidential election – but didn’t win the Democratic nomination as it was won by current President Biden.

Essentially, Kamala Harris used her skills from Law School to get her foot in the door to the political world – being most well-known for her career beginnings in the political world as a prosecutor specialising in sexual crimes.

How is Kamala Harris perceived by the public?

Despite her hard work and genuine efforts to support minorities in the country, Kamala Harris is at times perceived poorly by the general public – citing that she laughs too much, comes off as fake, and her immense liberal “California” stances revealed during the 2020 campaign could potentially lead to her downfall. 

👉 However, as of recently – Kamala Harris seems to have won the majority of the Democratic general public over following her unwavering support from leading democrats and even younger generations on social media.

Who would succeed President Biden if Kamala Harris was unable to do so?

In the midst of endless controversy regarding Biden’s age and his recent dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, Biden has made the choice to endorse Kamala Harris for president – as she has served as Vice President in the Biden Harris Administration and seems to embody the radical, liberal change many Americans want for the country. 

However, while we still await who Kamala Harris will choose as her Vice President – the question still arises – who would succeed President Biden if Kamala Harris was unable to do so?  

The answer is that if something were to happen that would make Kamala Harris unfit to serve as president, the Speaker of the House would be next in line to take charge of the Oval Office. After the Speaker of the House, it would then be the President Pro Tempore of the State, and the Cabinet secretaries. 

💡 However, the latter half would depend on the current incumbent’s eligibility to serve as temporary President of the United States.

Why would Kamala Harris’s presidential election have been historic?

There are several reasons why Kamala Harris’s potential election as the 47th president of the United States would have been historic, and it’s not only because she would be the first woman president for the country.

Here are a few reasons why Harris’s election would have been a milestone for the United States:

Harris would have been the first female president in U.S. history

Harris would have been the first Vice President to succeed directly from the previous president for a reason besides unforeseen death or resignation

Harris would have been the first female and Black-American president

Harris would have become the first president of Asian-American descent

Harris would have become the first president to directly represent the Indian American community

As a result of these potential record-breaking moments in U.S. election history, Harris's election would have helped to support the growing diversity across the country – and for the first time in U.S. history, the nation would have a multicultural President representing the country.


👉 Kamala Harris garnered the support of top leading democrats such as Elizabeth Warren, John Kerry, Bill and Hilary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, California's governor Gavin Newsom, and of course – Joe Biden himself.

What were Kamala Harris’s main promises as president?

Currently, we’re all waiting to hear Kamala Harris’s official policies – but given her most recent campaign speeches and previous political endeavors (especially as Vice President to Joe Biden), Kamala Harris has made some of her main promises as president clear to the public.

💡Some of Harris’s most infamous promises as president including seeking to end gun violence and ensure women’s reproductive rights nationwide.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This marks her first trip to a battleground state after taking control of the Democratic presidential nomination to challenge Donald Trump.  #CNN #News

Harris slams Trump at her first presidential rally

These were some of Harris's main goals if she were to have been elected into office:

End Gun Violence – A long standing issue in the U.S., Kamala Harris has promised to ban assault rifles across the country. Improved gun control would mean compulsory background checks and a nationwide ban on assault weapons. 

Civil Equality & LGBTQ+ Rights – Harris is also seeking criminal justice reform as an attempt to address systemic racism and ensure DEI policies are well implemented – which ties back to her early work as a prosecutor in the 1990s.

Re-establish Women’s Health Rights – Harris has recently said in speeches that she plans to sign laws to restore reproductive freedom for women and to restore Roe vs. Wade

Equal Healthcare – Harris has made clear during her 2020 presidential campaign that she wants to support affordable healthcare and to strengthen the Affordable Care Act.

Climate Change – Harris is in support of renewable energy, seeking to reduce the country’s excess carbon emissions, and helping vulnerable communities most impacted by climate change.

Strengthen the Middle Class – The opposite of Trump’s approach to the economy, Kamala Harris has made clear her desire to help the middle class be strong to ensure small businesses and minorities are receiving fair pay and equal opportunities and treatment across the nation.

Immigration Reform – As a first generation American herself, Harris is passionate about ensuring DACA holders have a safe residency in the U.S. in addition to employing more humane immigration policies.  

👉 Kamala Harris’s greatest strength throughout her presidential campaign was her ability to appeal to minorities across the country through her policies.

The November 2024 election was between Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump, where Trump ended up winning by a landslide.


Previously, Trump said that Harris was incapable of becoming president during the 2020 campaign season.

“She could never be the first woman president. That would be an insult to our country.” – Donald Trump during the 2020 presidential campaign.

👉 Despite Harris’s momentum throughout her campaign, the race was likely to be head to head – as Trump’s following remains loyal in the midst of a very divided United States.

Despite the Biden-Harris administration having received backlash for the climate change policies, Harris has still made it clear that she plans to support ecological reform during her presidency.

“I care about the environment not because I have any particular desire to hug a tree, but I have a strong desire to hug a healthy baby. – Kamala Harris.”

As the concern regarding climate change continues to grow by the day, especially seeing as the world just broke the record for its hottest day ever – climate policies are of interest to many voters across the nation seeing as the United States remains the second largest emitter of greenhouse gasses in the world. 

Here are some of the main differences between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s ecology policies:

Paris Climate Agreement – Kamala Harris wants to ensure the U.S. rejoins the Paris Climate Agreement

Green New Deal – Kamala Harris supports the Green New Deal and additional efforts to work towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions

Renewable Energy – Kamala Harris is invested in developing a clean energy society and seeking the use of renewable forms of energy such as wind farms and solar panels

Climate Regulations Harris Will Implement

Support the EPA – Harris will ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will have the power to enforce the necessary environmental protocols.

Wildlife Protection – Harris will work to make sure that anyone that endangers wildlife, ocean, or other parts of nature will be held responsible.

Natural Land Protection – As a born and raised Californian, Harris is passionate about ensuring that national parks are protected from potential drilling or deforestation projects.

Unlike Kamala Harris, Trump has always been skeptical of the need to implement climate change policies – having infamously withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement when he was president. 

Energy Policy – Trump supports growth for the fossil fuel industry over any and all environmental protocols, such as encouraging the production of coal, oil, and natural gas.

Job Creation – Trump remains firm on the stance that approving of projects such as the Keystone XL Pipeline will aid in job creation.

Cutting Environmental Regulations for the Environment – Trump is likely to cut back on regulations such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act to help the U.S. save on money and avoid a debt ceiling.

Trump’s Main Goals Include the Economy Over the Environment 

It is likely that Trump will continue to prioritise economic growth over implementing environmental regulations, as Trump views environmental endeavors as potential roadblocks to economic success and leadership for the country. 

👉 Overall, Kamala Harris will take a more aggressive approach to tackle climate change and protect the environment – whereas Trump remains more concerned with economic growth and ignoring the environmental consequences of these efforts to instill financial prosperity.

What were the chances Kamala Harris would have been elected as president?

Right now, it’s still too early to tell if Kamala Harris will pull through and become the first female president of the United States – but there are some promising signs that the current Vice President’s campaign for the 2024 election might prove successful.


For instance, Kamala Harris has already put herself on Tik Tok – making a genuine effort to appeal to Gen Z and their social media habits. Examples include the viral video on her coconut tree comment and giving her Twitter page a “Brat” aesthetic – an album and motto penned by singer-songwriter Charli XCX which Gen Z has embraced throughout summer 2024.

You think this meme just fell out of a coconut tree?

With Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the new Democratic front-runner after President Biden suddenly dropped out of the race on Sunday, her coconut tree meme has resurfaced and gone viral, with members of her own party getting in on the action. NY Post reporter Ronny Reyes shares this story. 

In the last 24 hours, Democratic governors, senators and PACs have voiced their support for Harris while mentioning coconut trees or adding coconut emojis to their posts.

The meme stems from a random moment in a speech Harris gave in May last year as she was swearing in commissioners for the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics.

Read more at https://nypost.com/2024/07/22/us-news...

#kamalaharris #coconuttree #politics #elections 

The New York Post is your source for breaking news, news about New York, sports, business, entertainment, opinion, real estate, culture, fashion, and more.

Subscribe to New York Post Sports:    / nypostsports  

Catch the latest news here: https://nypost.com/
Follow The New York Post on:
Twitter -   / nypost  
Facebook -   / nypost

What’s the Kamala Harris ‘coconut tree’ meme and why is it going viral?

Perhaps the rebranding is juvenile to some, but the truth is – it may prove itself as an ingenious way to garner the attention and support of young voters for the 2024 presidential election.

In addition to this, several political reports claim that Kamala Harris may have an easier time gaining electoral votes in comparison to Trump – and that the current Vice President has multiple paths to succeed in the upcoming election.

Overall, Kamala Harris has a sufficient amount of political experience to take on this election – but now is the time where we’re going to find out what she’s made of in terms of vocal persuasion, influence, and her policies. 

As her potential election would be historic for the country, we hope that reading this article on the background of her life and current 2024 campaign have helped you to learn something new and perhaps valuable about current candidate Kamala Harris.

Why did Kamala Harris lose the 2024 Election?

After much controversy surrounding Biden’s age and deteriorating mental state, getting world leaders and pop stars alike confused – much of the country and the rest of the world began to view Biden as unfit to run for a second term. 

In summer 2024, the DNC chose Kamala Harris to take Biden’s place to run as the democratic nominee – spiking newfound enthusiasm in the party and amongst young voters. However, Kamala lost by a landslide to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election – and many are confused as to why considering she ran a hopeful and enthusiastic campaign.

“America, we are not going back!” – the slogan which will be remembered for years to come from Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. 

There are a few reasons, many of which are still be analyzed by the Democratic Party and politicians, as to why Kamala Harris may have lost – as exit polls reveal that she failed to capture the Latino and Women vote to the extent recent polling estimated that she would. 

Here are a few other reasons why Kamala Harris may have lost the election:

The campaign was heavily focused on women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and reproductive healthcare – of which would not appeal to the average white male voter

Although Harris would consistently refer to minorities and offering ways to help make living more affordable for them, she did not address the current economy to the same rigor as the Trump campaign did

Harris did not discuss the border or immigration, of which many Americans consider a cause for concern

Harris didn’t have enough time to truly win the public over, and as Trump was already a friendly face – it may have been easier for people to pick something familiar over Harris’s more liberal agenda. 

👉 Kamala Harris officially conceded to the election on Tuesday, November 6th – employing young voters to remember that although it may feel like the beginning of a dark time, to not lose hope and to keep fighting for what they believe in.

“Only when it's dark enough can you see the stars.” – Kamala Harris in her speech conceding to the 2024 election. 

What will Kamala Harris do now after losing the election ?

Many are wondering what Harris will do once the Biden administration hands over the reigns to Trump in January 2025. 

It’s probable that she could attempt to run for office again in 2028. However, in the meantime –Harris, known to be a fighter, is unlikely to sit back and watch the world pass her by, meaning that she could possibly:

Join congress to help those who felt unheard in the last election

Engage in the non-profit world to help expand access to healthcare and education 

Increase her social media presence and promote the importance of civil rights 

💡 Regardless of which path she decides to take, one thing can be certain – Kamala Harris will not give up on her belief of paving the way for a brighter future for America. 

If reading this article about Kamala Harris, her story, and her views have made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

Breaking down the insight from political leaders like Kamala Harris can be overwhelming, but don’t worry – Greenly is here to help. Click here to schedule a demo to see how Greenly can help you find ways to improve energy efficiency and decrease the dependency on fossil fuels in your own company. 

Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.
Click here to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Highlighting ongoing threats to endangered species and their habitats can provide much-needed education and rally support for conservation efforts.

Understanding the most endangered species

Endangered species, or wildlife on the edge of extinction, is a global environmental issue. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 41,000 species face the threat of extinction. While the causes are varied, protecting these fragile animal populations is an ongoing priority. 

Following legislation like the Endangered Species Act of 1974 in the United States, endangered animals and plants are monitored and efforts are allocated towards forecasting and implementing conservation efforts. Through population monitoring, researchers are able to track population size and analyze data to glean information on these animals and the challenges they face. Teams use direct observation (including analyzing tracks and waste), as well as employing technology like radar, thermal cameras, and implantation devices to follow animal movements. While protecting endangered animals can feel like a remote issue, scientists, policy makers, and individuals will need to band together to work collaboratively to make a difference. 

In order to prevent further species extinction, highlighting ongoing threats to endangered species and their habitats can provide much-needed education and rally support for conservation efforts. Let’s find out more about how to take action. 

In this article, we’ll explore the main threats to endangered species, meet some of the animals that need our help, and examine actions we can take.

What are the main threats to endangered species today?

According to National Geographic, one of the most critical factors impacting endangered species is habitat loss and deterioration. Deforestation, as well as the expansion of agricultural lands and urban development play a large role. As habitats shrink, animals struggle to thrive in the wild, leading to a gradual or steep loss in their numbers. In tandem, exploitative practices menace the well-being of endangered species in the wild. According to Interpol, the illegal wildlife trade earns up to 20 billion on the black market with over 100 rangers killed annually in their efforts to protect the animals in their care. Overfishing and overhunting is also problematic, as they decimate wildlife numbers and can trigger shifts within ecosystems. 

Actions like introducing invasive, nonnative plant species into habitats also can have a significant impact. The aggressive spread of invasive species is responsible for 42% of the pressure applied to endangered species, as ecosystems are threatened, while ocean pollution (mainly plastics) threatens over 600 species of marine life. Similarly, pollution and rising temperatures related to Climate Change force already fragile animal populations to adapt to new and challenging conditions. As threats compound, greater pressure is applied to animals on the edge of extinction. 

Habitat loss is a critical issue, followed by the threat of the $20 billion illegal wildlife trade, invasive non-native plants introduced into habitats, and Climate Change. As threats compound, animals struggle to adapt and thrive, thinning numbers.

One million of the planet's eight million species are threatened with extinction by humans, scientists warned in what is described as the most comprehensive assessment of global nature loss ever.

Their landmark report paints a bleak picture of a planet ravaged by an ever-growing human population, whose insatiable consumption is destroying the natural world.
The global rate of species extinction "is already tens to hundreds of times higher than it has been, on average, over the last 10 million years," according to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), a UN committee, whose report was written by 145 experts from 50 countries.

Scientists warn 1 million species threatened with extinction

Let’s Meet Some of Our Planet’s Endangered Animals

With over 41,000 animals on the endangered species watch list, these are just a small selection of the animals that need our help. From porpoises to great apes, these endangered animals rely on targeted conservation efforts in order to survive. 

Vaquita - Considered the rarest endangered marine mammal, this porpoise was discovered in 1958. Found in Mexico’s Gulf of California, this porpoise is threatened by illegal fishing operations. Vaquitas are frequently caught in gill nets and subsequently drown, leading to a significant population decline. Unfortunately there are only 10 individuals remaining in the wild. 

Amur Leopard - This solitary cat calls eastern Russia, Korea, and north-east China home. Similar to other leopards in speed (clocking in at about 37 mph), the Amur Leopard is sly, hiding unfinished meals to remain undetected by predators. Preferring to dwell in deciduous forests, the Amur Leopard is threatened by deforestation, urban development, and agricultural expansion with only around 84 Amur Leopards surviving today. 

Northern White Rhino - Only two female Northern White Rhinos remain, though there are about 16,800 White Rhinos in the wild today. These mammals thrive in the African savanna, traveling in groups up to 14 rhinoceroses including calves. Extensive poaching, driven by interest in rhino horns as ingredients in traditional Eastern medicine and their role as a status symbol, threatens White Rhinos with extinction. In 2024, researchers attempted the first rhino IVF pregnancy in hopes of restoring the Northern White Rhino population. 

Saola - Playfully called the Asian unicorn, the saola is one of the most enigmatic on the endangered species list. Discovered in 1992, this Vietnamese animal resembles an antelope, though shares genetic patterns with cattle. Residing deep in the mountains of Laos and Vietnam, saola individuals are rarely spotted. 

Cross River Gorilla - Acutely threatened by deforestation, poaching, and agricultural expansion, only 200-300 Cross River Gorillas remain in the wild today. These great apes live in the dwindling mountain rainforests of Cameroon and Nigeria in West Africa, relying on assistance from conservationists to defend their habitat. 

Yangtze Finless Porpoise - Found in the longest river in Asia, the Yangtze Finless Porpoise is known for an intellect on par with that of a gorilla. With only 1000-1800 individuals estimated in the wild, this dolphin is considered critically endangered. Exposure to pollution, hunting, and fishing operations threaten these intelligent creatures. 

Sumatran Rhino - The smallest of the living rhinoceroses, the Sumatran Rhino has two horns and a coat of shaggy hair. At home in tropical rainforests, the Sumatran Rhino used to roam throughout Asia, but is now confined to the Indonesian Island of Sumatra where an estimated 40 individuals remain. 

Orangutan - Orangutan, meaning Man of the Forest in Malay, is a solitary mammal known for its striking red fur and a startling 96.4% of gene similarities to humans. As their habitat is threatened by deforestation, Orangutan population numbers are dropping. Found in the forests of Borneo and Sumatra, orangutans face a critical decline with their numbers dropping to 104,700 and 7,500 respectively.

Kakapo - Native to New Zealand, this flightless parrot is perhaps the longest-living bird in the world with lifespans of up to 90 years. Conservation efforts are currently centered on Kakapo fertility issues and addressing inbreeding in hopes of revitalizing this unique bird population, as well as introducing protection from stoats—an invasive species that is a newfound predator.  

Hawksbill Sea Turtles - Hawksbill Sea Turtles thrive in the world’s tropical oceans, playing a key role in their ecosystem by maintaining healthy coral reefs. Noted for their colorfully patterned shells which are considered valuable on the black market, these turtles are threatened by poachers despite strict regulations. 

Sunda Island Tiger - Sunda Tigers are considered critically endangered with only 600 individuals found in the wild. While tigers face danger from habitat loss, as tropical jungles and forests fall prey to urbanization, their main predator remains poachers. Despite exorbitant fines and jail penalties, tiger parts and products remain valuable on the black market, applying pressure to this fragile species. 

This list is just a small selection of the endangered species that require conservationist assistance. Threatened by habitat deterioration, urban and agricultural expansion, and poaching, these animals struggle to adapt to changing conditions. 

For the average person, helping endangered species likely feels out of reach. How can we save the gorillas if the closest we get to wildlife are sighting the birds and squirrels in our own backyards? Knowledge is power: Educating yourself about endangered species both close to home and globally is the perfect place to begin. Understanding the challenges these animals face is the first step towards solving the problem. Similarly, planning visits to national parks or wildlife refuges can help financially support conservation efforts while providing salient information. Research whether accredited zoos or aquariums in your area participate in conservation breeding programs to help endangered species in distress. 

Wildlife conservation can start at home. Individuals can help local wildlife in their own backyards. Start by populating your garden with native plants and placing decals on windows and sliding glass doors to alert birds. Securing garbage cans and preventing water run-off on your property can prevent harm to local ecosystems. Similarly, participating in local beach clean-ups or removing litter from parks can help support animals near you. Signing your name to online petitions, donating to fundraisers, or contacting government representatives directly can help raise awareness and put the plight of endangered species on the radar for policy makers. Lastly, one of the easiest actions you can take is to refrain from purchasing brand new products containing ivory, tortoiseshell, or coral, as they encourage poaching and ecosystem damage. 

Want to help endangered species? Educating yourself on the issue, signing online petitions, visiting zoos and wildlife preserves that support conservation breeding, and maintaining a healthy local ecosystem by fighting litter and growing native plants are ways to support endangered species through individual actions.  

Small individual actions can add up to a significant collective difference. Working to curb the impacts of Climate Change, we can relieve some of the pressure placed on endangered species world wide. Can Greenly help? 

Greenly helps companies assess their carbon footprint and identify operational shifts that can have a huge impact. Combining human analysis and innovative technology, Greenly creates personalized carbon accounting that is accessible to a wide range of companies no matter their size. 

Request a free demo with a member of our expert team to learn more about how to get started on your journey to lower your emissions and contribute to collective actions against Climate Change. 

After starting her career at Greenly in 2022, she started a joined PhD between the startup and CentraleSupélec to improve company sustainabilty performance ratings.

Marine Kohler

Marine has an engineering degree from the French school of CentraleSupélec and a masters in Industrial Management from DTU. After starting her career at Greenly in 2022, she started a joined PhD between the startup and CentraleSupélec to improve company sustainabilty performance ratings.

What is the greenhouse effect ?

More articles

What Would Happen if Climate Change is Declared a National Emergency?

Who is Kamala Harris?

Understanding the most endangered species

Join more than 800 companies committed to climate change