Lauren Lantry, lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
From the IPCC report warnings that we only have a little more than a decade left to act to avoid the most catastrophic effects of the climate crisis, to the historic force of Hurricane Michael, to the Trump Administration increasing pollution despite knowing of the catastrophic impacts of climate disruption, to acting EPA administrator Andrew Wheelers highly problematic social media posts, Sarah Huckabee Sanders needs to answer for the White House’s inaction to solve the climate crisis.
The IPCC report on climate change, which incorporates 6,000 scientific studies, predicts catastrophe within 50 years if we do not act soon. The EPA, currently run by a formal coal lobbyist with a penchant for liking racist memes and conspiracy theories, did not “formally endorse specific findings presented by the authors”. And Donald Trump has only said that he needs to look into who “drew it”.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders should answer the following questions:
Acting EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler has been exposed for tweeting, liking, and commenting on racist, misogynistic and conspiracy theory-peddling tweets.The communities most endangered by fossil fuel pollution, superstorms, and the other impacts of climate change are often communities of color like those Wheeler’s posts mock. Does the White House stand by Wheeler's views?
Today, as Hurricane Michael is makes landfall in Florida, it is expected to be the strongest storm ever to strike the panhandle. Stronger and more devastating storms have become a norm. The major international climate report just released anticipates a dramatic increase in the severity and frequency of these events, surpassing even what we see now. Meanwhile, the White House has refused to comment on the IPCC report that indicates that even more severe and catastrophic impacts of climate change will occur by 2040 if serious action is not taken. Is President Trump at all concerned that his own family will experience the most profound consequences of climate change?
President Trump has attacked the Paris Agreement, the Clean Power Plan, and Clean Car Standards that would curb carbon pollution all while pushing for more coal to be burned. The White House has acknowledged that climate change will be catastrophic but is continuing to take steps to make the climate crisis worse. Why is the President content to let this crisis unfold without even a fight, threatening communities nationwide?
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.