STEPPING UP

As we step into the third week of Donald Trump’s second presidency, it’s easy to understand why many of us are feeling down. (How’s that for an understatement?)

In the past two weeks, Trump has launched a blitzkrieg of executive orders covering everything from attacks on human rights to health policy rollbacks. On the environmental front, he’s withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement (shocker), ordered oil and gas drilling on Alaska’s public lands, and declared a bogus “national energy emergency” to encourage further fossil fuel development.

It’s too soon to say how many of these executive orders will actually hold. Many of them are blatantly unconstitutional, violate federal law, and invite legal challenges. Others require congressional approval, which is not certain and likely won’t be resolved for months.

One thing, however, is certain. Many of his plans will fail. A wave of resistance is rising in our country and around the world.

Here are just a few of the individuals and organizations stepping up to meet the moment:

  • Michael Bloomberg. He stepped up in a big way following Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, vowing to fulfill the United States’ funding and reporting obligations to the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat. This is some much-needed good news at a time when so many of his billionaire peers have chosen to bow down to Trump!
  • America Is All In, the U.S. Climate Alliance, and Climate Mayors. These coalitions represent a wide range of cities, states, businesses, and organizations. They recently reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the goals laid out in the Paris Agreement through climate action at the subnational level.
  • Earthjustice and the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). During Trump’s first term, the NRDC filed 163 cases against the administration and triumphed in 90% of them. Earthjustice won 85% of theirs. Both have once again vowed to resist any action that threatens our climate, natural environment, and the health and safety of our communities—and we think they can do it.
  • All of you! In the past couple of weeks, CANdoers have advocated for the retention of the EV tax credits, sent thousands of messages supporting the IRA, and expressed their disappointment with the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. And we’re just getting started!

They and we know the secret to staying sane in this sometimes insane world: action. No matter what new folly Trump throws our way, we wake up every day and take the steps we can to preserve a livable world for ourselves, our children, and future generations.