By Mary Anna Mancuso, RepublicEn.org
The 2024 election results are in, and once again, climate change seems to be on the losing side — but it doesn’t have to be. Ever the optimist, I believe we have a unique opportunity to address the climate crisis. While the progress made over the last four years may seem like a drop in the bucket, significant strides have been made. Yet, going forward, climate policy could look considerably different.
President-elect Donald Trump has openly denied climate change and, during his last administration, he rolled back more than 100 environmental rules to prioritize economic growth over environmental protections and withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, distancing the nation from global climate goals. While the Biden administration reversed many of these policies, Trump’s second term may undo these gains, especially concerning fossil fuel development, environmental regulations and international climate commitments.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for those of us in the climate change space. In fact, there is an opportunity to move away from waiting for the federal government to solve the ongoing climate crisis.
It’s time we shift our attention to the private sector for climate solutions. Over the next four years, American businesses must play a critical role in climate action.
Facing mounting pressure from customers and investors, companies are recognizing the urgent need to address climate change through innovation. Businesses have the potential to lead in areas like renewable energy, carbon capture and even nuclear power. By taking ownership of sustainable technology, they can drive America’s clean energy future without waiting for the federal government to act.
The path forward requires both determination and innovation. Federal policy shifts may create obstacles, but multiple channels remain open for advancing climate action. Success depends on climate advocates’ ability to adapt, build broader coalitions and maintain momentum through all available pathways.
Despite potential setbacks in Washington, there are multiple avenues to make headway. The private sector’s role is crucial, but it’s not the only lever we have. State and local governments also hold substantial power in addressing climate issues by setting their own renewable energy standards, incentivizing climate-friendly building requirements and promoting efficiency initiatives.
For instance, states such as Florida can work toward cutting statewide carbon emissions by increasing clean and renewable energy sources. Simple measures, such as encouraging reflective white roofs, can yield substantial energy savings for homeowners and businesses. Local action, especially when backed by climate-focused governors and mayors, can bypass federal obstacles, allowing for faster implementation without bureaucratic red tape.
The stakes are too high, and waiting for the federal government to solve the climate crisis is no longer an option. The challenge of climate change requires all hands on deck, regardless of who sits in the Oval Office, and we must not sit around and wait to see what climate policies the incoming Trump administration dismantles. Instead, we must engage with the private sector to encourage innovation and find climate solutions outside of the government.
As Plato said, our need will be the real creator, and with 2024 on track to be the hottest year on record, the need for climate solutions has never been greater. The path forward may be difficult, but the opportunity to drive real, lasting change remains.
Mary Anna Mancuso is a political strategist and a spokesperson for RepublicEn.org, a growing group of conservatives who care about climate change.
If you are interested in submitting an opinion piece to The Invading Sea, email Editor Nathan Crabbe at ncrabbe@fau.edu. Sign up for The Invading Sea newsletter by visiting here.
