Interest Group Presentation

Without the activities, humans might be unable to satisfy their needs and thus not survive on the planet. However, the satisfaction of the needs is almost destroying the entire planet, and thus, no species might survive. For the safety of the planet and the better of everyone, policies have to be put in place to regulate how humans can satisfy their needs. Thus, showing that climate change policies are for the good of the planet and are not selfish. It is at this point that I would support the climate change policies because the positive desire of the policies is to protect planet earth. By protecting the planet, all its inhabitants are protected as well.

Position against the policy-evidence arguments

As earlier discussed, climate change policies are meant to protect planet earth by stabilizing greenhouse gases, among other conditions that cause dangerous interference with the climate system (John R. Burch, 2016). Even though the policies are meant to protect interference with climate change, some of the policies seem to promote activities that interfere with climate change. For instance, the issue of oil drilling. This has led me to rethink my position on supporting climate change policies. Therefore, I will use oil drilling policies as evidence in my argument to show that climate change policies are not effectively doing their part.

We need gas and other petroleum products to satisfy a significant number of our needs, and to get them; oil drilling has to take place. Oil drilling is among the activities that interfere with climate as well as environmental changes. Oil drilling on land was seen as a danger. Texas is among the places that have been significantly affected by oil drilling inland. Usually, after drilling oil inland, the waste products, which are usually water mixed with other chemicals, are deposited deep underground. The waste products have been attributed to most of the earthquakes and therefore led to the banning of oil drilling on land. However, a climate change policy was passed in favor of offshore drilling. This was because petroleum products are needed, and it was seen as a better option.

However, looking at the situation currently, offshore drilling is more dangerous as compared to land drilling. This, therefore, makes me oppose climate change policies since the policies do not prevent interference with climate change; instead, they appear to support it. Offshore drilling interferes significantly with climate change; not only does it cause storms that are more intense and also heavier rainfall, but it also causes more polluted runoff. Furthermore, it has led to sea level rises in places where offshore drilling takes place, for example, in the Chesapeake Bay. It is evident that offshore drilling is a risk to animals, nature, the planet as well as climate change (Eisenberg, & Adams, 2020). Therefore, leading to opposition against climate change policies.

Response to the argument in favor of the policy

Indeed, climate change policies are meant for a positive outcome for the planet. The policies are meant to prevent further interference with climate change while reducing ongoing interference. However, it might seem weak to support the policy because of the reason that it protects the earth. It makes the argument appear weak. Someone might argue against the point saying that it is biased, and it is selfish. This is because, according to the argument, the primary interest is humans satisfying their needs. However, there is more to it.

Another reason to be in favor of climate change policy is the fact that they have co-benefits. Co-benefits are effects that are the positive benefits connected to the reduction of greenhouse gases. The main co-benefits are clean air and an active lifestyle. Through climate change policies, people have begun to develop active lifestyles, which lead to healthier lives. For example, as people try to avoid using machines such as cars that pollute the environment, they go for cheaper options such as walking. Through walking, people keep fit and get rid of their sedentary lifestyle. Furthermore, through climate change policies, the emission of pollutants has reduced, and the air is cleaner. Therefore, not only humans but also plants and animals breathe in clean and healthy air, which promotes a healthy lifestyle and prevents chronic illnesses such as asthma, amongst other issues.

Also, climate change policies bring about direct benefits. Direct benefits are positive impacts in both physical and monetary terms from adapt action and climate change policies. Some of the direct benefits of climate change policies include improving the environment, especially land. A lot of mining and drilling on land has reduced while the left gaps and holes being filled, therefore returning land to its natural splendor. Also, other factors such as infrastructure, ecosystem, and agriculture have improved.

Response to the argument against the policy

Even though some of the climate change policies have put more risk than estimated, it does not give an adequate reason or support to be against the policy. For example, the policy on offshore drilling is under discussion. A lot about how to come around the issue is under debates and discussions. While environmentalists are fighting for a ban on offshore drilling, the drillers are fighting for drilling while the governments are looking at how to satisfy the petroleum needs of its citizens while protecting the world. In as much as there is a lot of controversy about the issue, the evident factor is that offshore drilling poses a risk to earth and climate change, and a solution is being looked for. Consequently, proving that climate change policies are for the betterment of everyone and everything on earth.

However, this does not mean that one should not oppose climate change policies. There are other supportive reasons which show that climate change policies are of negative impact. Most of the climate change policies have led to the decline of business and companies globally. For example, drilling and mining companies have been experiencing problems and are trying to figure out a healthier way of mining and drilling. This has led to an increase in some of its products in some of the places. Therefore, climate change policies are hindering complete satisfaction of human needs while leading to a decline in economies of certain countries.

Even though climate change policies are meant for the betterment of everyone, the policies seem to be hurting others. Therefore, to support the policy is like celebrating the suffering of those hurt by the policies. Just like a coin has two sides, so does climate change policies. I am unsure of my position on supporting the policy; however, there is no doubt that the policies are meant to protect not only the climate but also planet earth.

References

Buchholz, W., Markandya, A., Rübbelke, D., & Vögele, S. (Eds.). (2019). Ancillary Benefits of Climate Policy: New Theoretical Developments and Empirical Findings. Springer Nature.

Eisenberg, J., & Adams, A. (2020). OFFSHORE DRILLING.

Hess, T. M., Strough, J., & Löckenhoff, C. (Eds.). (2015). Aging and decision making: Empirical and applied perspectives. Academic Press. pp 235-257

John R. Burch, J. (2016). Climate change and American policy: Key documents, 1979–2015.

McFarland.