U.S. Will Rejoin Paris Agreement And Stop All Fossil Fuel Activities In The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Climate action advocates called on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to address the climate crisis beyond campaign promises.

Meteorologist and journalist Eric Holthaus wrote in his newsletter that climate advocates have been waiting decades for a president who plans to make climate change a centerpiece of their governing strategy.

And indeed, Children’s Health Defense reports that Biden’s day-one executive actions aimed at addressing climate change and advancing environmental justice include signing the instrument to rejoin the Paris Agreement.

“The president is directing executive departments and agencies to immediately review Trump-era regulations and actions harmful to public health and the environment, unsupported by science, or otherwise not in U.S. interest. He is further directing agencies “to consider revising vehicle fuel economy and emissions standards, methane emissions standards, and appliance and building efficiency standards to ensure that such standards cut pollution, save consumers money, and create good union jobs.”

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty with a goal to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius.

Biden’s widely anticipated actions also include revoking the presidential permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline, reviewing the boundaries and conditions of the Grand Staircase-Escalante, Bears Ears, Northeast Canyons, and Seamounts Marine National Monuments.

However, climate advocates are especially excited about a temporary moratorium on all fossil fuel activities in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.