What is Obama doing to stop climate change? What is Lebron James doing to stop climate change? What is Justin Bieber doing to stop climate change? These are some of the biggest celebrities today and celebrities have the most impactful power in our nation. If celebrities show more concern about climate change, maybe this will bring more awareness to the world. Recently we learned in class that climate change was not of much concern among citizens. Other issues such as terrorism and military were of bigger concerns. I do believe that people are willing to invest more in current problems rather than future problems. People tend to want to focus on the issues that impact them now rather than focusing on the future. I could see why some people have that way of thinking but if we emphasize the future impact of global warming more, maybe there will be more awareness.
Obama plays an immense role in regulating climate change. In 2013, he introduced the Climate Action Plan hoping that it would make a difference in the amount of carbon being produced by large companies and power plants.Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency are working together to develop carbon pollution standards for both new and existing power plants. In June 2014, the EPA released the Clean Power Plan, the first-ever carbon pollution standards for power plants. These standards will help keep children safe and reduce the amount of carbon produced by 30% by the year 2030. Obama also advocates for building a more climate resilient America. He is trying to introduce public investments that will benefit the future in dealing with climate change. Some of these investments include grants for cleaning up trashed areas and energy efficient transportation funds. Is Obama doing enough to stop this issue? Is he putting enough emphasis on stopping global warming?
Many celebrities like Lebron James and Leonardo Dicaprio have made a great effort in bringing awareness to the issue of climate change. In September 2014, Leonardo Dicaprio spoke at a UN meeting addressing the need to change our actions towards the environment or the climate change will only get worse. He agrees with Obama and the need to cut down on carbon emissions and believes we need to cut government subsidies for coal, gas and oil companies. The choice to change is in our hands and we need to start making a difference or it is only going to get worse.
I do believe global warming is an important issue but there are also many more problems in the world that are more important and need to be dealt with immediately. We are taking steps in the right direction but also steps in the wrong direction. Gas prices have been consistently decreasing resulting in more cars on the streets. Electric and gas efficient cars are getting more popular but they are also expensive and can be unaffordable for some people. Because gas prices are so low, this is so what setting a bad example for society because it is encouraging people to drive instead of other options such as biking, carpooling or public transportations. If celebrates and people of high influential power step up and create more awareness, that will be a step in the right direction.
I agree with you on the emphasis of celebrities in our society. If they supported climate change policies like they do other non-profit organizations, society would probably pay more attention. Also the question you posed about whether Obama is doing all that he can is something I wonder too. Being that he’s only in office for another two years and has been the president for the last six, there seems less hope that he will be making a difference in that time remaining. And what about the future president, will he or she have the same concern about climate change?
Although it is depressing that we live in a generation where we need athletes and icons just to motivate us to save our own planet, I agree that they should all spend more time influencing people to change their ways. Millions of people look up to famous actors and professional athletes and try to model their lives after them. By leading by example and making public stands for the reduction in carbon emissions, they can motivate the youth and all of their followers to change their ways. I also agree that the future president needs to make it a top concern for their campaign. As the most powerful nation in the world, we need to do our part in educating and leading by example.
You bring up a good point in the end of your post about how, although we are taking steps in the right direction, we are also taking some steps in the wrong direction. It also doesn’t help that gas prices have been on a decline as more people are likely to drive their cars when gasoline is at a cheaper price.
Celebrities already do have such a large impact on society so it would be very helpful if they made an obvious effort to stop global warming because then it would also encourage other people to be more conscious about the environment. And you bring up a very good point about gas prices and electric cars. We seem to be taking 1 step forward and then about 4 steps back without even really realizing it.
Thanks for this post — I agree that celebrities (because so many people in our society — for better or for worse — listen to them and look up to them as role models) can do great work for advocating for issues like climate change. I’m a big basketball fan and thus am curious because you mention Lebron James — were you able to find anything about what he has done specifically for advocating for climate change related issues?