A Legal Battle Against California’s Climate Law

It is only until this century that we started thinking about the possibility of doomsday or the destruction of our planet. For thousands of years, Humans have inhabited and lived in this planet without acknowledging the consequences that are actions make which could harm the environment in the long run. We all know how important our environment is for our survival. The threat of Global Warming or Climate Change is not just an environmental concern but also involves the very survival of humans.

In this decade, we have already experienced some of nature’s destructive fury. The recent flashfloods in Pakistan that displaced over 7 million people and cut vital supply lines are a clear indication that climate change is already happening. Abnormal weather patterns, increasing temperatures and the rise of water levels have given us an idea of what to expect in the coming years. Scientists and researchers are worried on the frequent occurrences of natural calamities that endanger thousands or even millions of lives worldwide.

Global warming is caused by severe amounts of toxic Gas pollutants that are emitted to the Earth’s atmosphere. These toxic gases trap heat within the planet thus increasing the global average temperature. In turn, polar icecaps melt faster increasing water levels to record highs. It then creates a domino effect such as abnormal occurrences of natural calamities and abnormal weather. It is good to note that gas emissions coming from industrialized countries are now the ones being blamed for this environmental concern.

Today, several U.S. states such as California are strongly considering the implementation of certain regulations which will limit the carbon emissions of various companies. California's Global Warming Solutions Act, widely known as AB 32, imposes 80 percent carbon emission reductions by 2050 across all sectors of the economy. And because of its significant impact to businesses, various States have also strongly opposed such act stating that at a time of a recession, cutting carbon emissions would mean also cutting jobs.

The attorneys general of Alabama, Nebraska, Texas and North Dakota are now suing California and are submitting “Proposition 23” which is an initiative on the November ballot that would delay implementing the AB 32 act until California's unemployment rate drops to 5.5 percent or below. The state’s current unemployment rate now stands at 12%. The opposing states argue that the act is ruining interstate commerce which is proven to be vital especially at a time where jobs are scarce.

David Farnsworth, a senior associate with the Regulatory Assistance Project, stated that California has a stronger case to pursue especially at this time where the world has recognized the health risks that Climate change may impose to humans. On the other hand, North Dakota's Stenehjem argue that by imposing such regulations, there is a huge possibility that the United States will be experiencing power shortages in the future.

Of Climate Change and Extremism

The U.S. is perhaps the most active nation in terms of global influence and participation. Since the September 11 attacks that claimed that lives of almost 3,000 people, the U.S. has been actively involved in worldly affairs and are doing what they can to stop terrorism. For example, the U.S. has been giving aid to foreign nationalities with the primary aim of winning the hearts of the people and getting their trust. Unfortunately, this strategy may not be so effective at all in selected nations.

Climate change has now become a primary concern for all people especially that it has already claimed the lives of thousands of people and displaced millions more. The frequent occurrence of earthquakes, cyclones, and other environmental calamities has caught the attention of world leaders and their government. There is a growing belief that climate change may not only inflict damage through environmental hazards but may also fuel and encourage more people to adopt extremism.

In Pakistan, the continuous downpour of rain has already affected at least 14 million people. It is now considered in Pakistan as the worst flood in its entire history. There are now at least 1,600 people who lost their lives in this massive catastrophe. And just recently, the U.S. government has been particularly concerned with the existence of a charity group that is believed to be linked to Al Qaeda that is giving aid to the stranded Pakistani people.

There is already an intense pressure in the government of Pakistan to provide aid and relief goods as quickly as possible. People have grown tired and weary waiting for the government’s slow response. The actions of the charity is seen by the U.S. as a strategy to lure people against the government and into extremism. This is a very troubling find especially of the millions of people directly affected by the disaster.

This particular happening clearly showed how climate change can really be a serious threat. Not only can it inflict massive environment disasters but also cause conflict and unjust. And since the U.S. government has been very concerned with national security, perhaps they can look at this situation as a stepping stone in securing the country against radical extremists. The people in Pakistan need immediate response. If we want them to trust us and reject these terror groups, we should help provide humanitarian aid instead of wasting money on lobbying and other political propagandas.