Mankind has been contributing to climate change for many years, and now the U.S. is starting to experience its effects. From raging wildfires in California and sweltering heat waves in New York City, it’s become increasingly clear that we must take action now or face the consequences of continued environmental degradation. As preparations are made at a federal level, individual states around America have begun taking their own steps toward combating climate change—but what exactly are they doing? In this blog post, Darren Dohme discusses some of the initiatives that different U.S. states are undertaking to mitigate their contribution to global warming and move us further away from a future characterized by dramatic weather events and extreme temperatures.
What Are U.S. States Doing About Climate Change? Darren Dohme Answers
In the United States, states are taking action to combat climate change and its increasingly devastating effects, says Darren Dohme. From reducing carbon emissions to investing in renewable energy sources, states have adopted numerous initiatives to reduce their contribution to global warming.
Thirty-four U.S. states have set goals for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and twenty-nine states have adopted comprehensive clean energy policies that support the development of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. California leads the way with ambitious GHG reduction targets: they are aiming to reduce their emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, with an ultimate goal of achieving net zero emission by 2045. Other examples include Massachusetts’s commitment to reduce its GHG emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 and Washington’s commitment to reduce its GHG emissions to 70% below 1990 levels by 2035.
States are also investing in renewable energy sources. As of 2019, eighteen states have established Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), which require electricity providers to increase their use of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower over time. In addition, thirty-two states had incentives for installing renewable energy technologies such as solar panels. For example, Pennsylvania offers significant tax credits for homeowners who install solar panels on their homes.
According to Darren Dohme, over the past decade, U.S. states have made tremendous progress in reducing GHG emissions and increasing investments in clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. According to recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), GHG emissions in the U.S. have decreased by 10% since 2005. Furthermore, investments in renewable energy sources are on the rise as well; as of 2018, renewable sources accounted for 17% of total electricity generated in the U.S., with solar accounting for 7% and wind accounting for 6%.
– Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), GHG Emissions in the United States have decreased by 10% since 2005
– Renewable sources accounted for 17% of total electricity generated in the U.S., with solar accounting for 7% and wind accounting for 6%, as of 2018
– Thirty-two states have incentives for installing renewable energy technologies such as solar panels
Pennsylvania offers significant tax credits for homeowners who install solar panels on their homes. These incentives drive up demand, creating a greater incentive to use renewable energy sources and helping reduce emissions. As a result, more homeowners are taking advantage of the benefits associated with clean energy.
Darren Dohme’s Concluding Thoughts
The increasing efforts of states to reduce their contributions to global warming are making a real difference. According to Darren Dohme, by taking these actions, states are not only reducing their immediate environmental impacts but also helping to create a healthier future for generations to come. As more states continue to take action on climate change, it is clear that progress toward a cleaner and more sustainable future is possible.