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Introduction
Climate change is one of the most debated and polarizing issues in modern day politics. It
is highly contested and discussed because of its various implications for the environment,
economy, and overall society. There is a general consensus between the scientific community
that climate change is directly related to human action; for example, the burning of fossil fuels
has led to increased occurrences of acid rain and destruction of the ozone layer. Even though
there is consensus in the scientific community, that consensus has not translated into the rest of
society (Wolf, 2021). They are individuals who are skeptical about scientific findings for a
variety of different reasons. Not only is this debate regarding climate change contested between
the scientific community and the population at large, it has also found its place in the political
arena (Bergquist & Warsaw, 2020). Climate change has become another one of those topics that
is polarized at party lines with Republicans and Democrats having drastically different
perspectives and policy ideas. Republicans have historically been skeptical about the idea that
people are the direct cause of climate change, and this has resulted in them standing against most
environmental policies. On the other hand, Democrats historically have environmental policy
because they prioritize protecting the environment as it also contributes to public health
(Gustafson et al., 2020). This essay will analyze how Republicans and Democrats reconcile their
views on climate change with the goal of finding potential avenues for reconciliation and
collaboration.
A Short History of U.S. Environmental Policy
To better understand the perspective of the various political parties, it is imperative to
understand the history of environmental policy in the United States. The history of
environmental policy in the United States is the journey of the changing perspectives towards the
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environment, and how it has led to legislative policy and political debates (Spaargaren, 2020).
The journey begins with the conservation movement which started in the late 19th century. This
movement advocated for the preservation of natural resources, and the movement gained
momentum in the early 20th century. It led to the creation of the National Park Service in 1916.
During the mid-20th century, as several environmental events occurred like the Dust Bowl,
awareness of environmental issues grew. This newly grown awareness led to multiple
environmental policies being implemented in the mid-20th century. These policies include the
creation of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948, the National Air Pollution Control
Act of 1955, and the Wilderness Act of 1964 (AP, 2022). In the late-20th century, the awareness
continued to grow, and the Environmental Protection Agency was created in 1970 in addition to
numerous other pieces of legislation both federally and at the individual state level (AP, 2022).
However, in the 1980s, there was a shift in legislation, as the Reagan administration introduced
regulatory reforms which were aimed at reducing environmental regulations on businesses by
emphasizing voluntary compliance and market-based approaches.
Differentiations of Current Environmental Policies
As time has passed and attitudes towards the environment have changed, environmental
policy has also gone through changes. When comparing current environmental policies to
policies of the past, there are seven primary differentiations. The first differentiation is the
increased emphasis on climate change. Current policies are focused on the need to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources (Khan et al., 2021). The
second differentiation is international engagement. In the past, environmental policy focused on
what the United States could do individually; however, more recent administrations have
committed the country to international environmental agreements like the Paris Agreement. This
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change in approach is due to the collective awareness that a combined global effort to combat
climate change is more effective. Another differentiation is the overall promotion of renewable
energy through new initiatives. These new initiatives include tax deductions, investment in
research and development, and renewable portfolio standards (Liu et al., 2023). This change has
led to the country’s reduced reliance on fossil fuels. The fourth differentiation, rollbacks in
regulation, and the fifth differentiation, environmental justice, are in direct conflict with each
other. Rollbacks in regulation is a current change in modern environmental policy; some recent
administrations are focused on reducing the burden of regulations on businesses by promoting
self-regulation for industries. This conflicts with the fifth differentiation, environmental justice,
because other recent administrations are focusing on how pollution disproportionately impacts
certain populations because of this they are striving to reduce exposure to pollutants, improve
access to clean air and water, and promote community engagement in environmental policy
(Khan et al., 2021). These differentiations are in conflict because they create the battle of
whether businesses or people should have more protections. The sixth differentiation of current
environmental policies is the conflict between conservation and extraction. As technological
advances have occurred, the ways in which people are able to interact with the environment has
also changed. With advancements in mining, drilling, logging, and fracking, and with the
increase in domestic energy needs, the debate has grown about whether to prioritize the
conservation of resources or to extract resources to meet the growing need (Liu et al., 2023).
The Republican Perspective
Not only has policy changed, but the perspectives of people and political parties have as
well. As mentioned earlier, the Republican perspective on climate change is based on skepticism
due to uncertainty surrounding the causes and effects of climate change, but regardless, many
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Republicans know the importance of environmental stewardship and strive to find solutions that
balance environmental protection with economic growth and innovation. One solution is
promoting clean energy technologies which would increase employment opportunities. Many
Republican solutions are market based approaches like carbon pricing mechanisms and
emissions trading programs or voluntary like conservation incentives for businesses (Lazarevic
& Brandão, 2020).
The Republican perspective can be explained using biblical scripture, specifically Psalm
8:6. The scripture states “Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou
hast put all things under his feet” (King James Bible, 2022). The purpose of the scripture is the
show that dominion, or ruling authority over the earth, has been given to people. In regards to
Republicans, they champion that everyone has individual authority to determine the outcome of
the environment. They push for voluntary practices and economic benefit that can benefit
individuals.
The Democrat’s Perspective
The Democrat’s perspective on climate change is based on the belief that human actions
are the cause, and this leads them to strive towards solutions to rectify the problem. Their
solutions are policies targeted at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable
energy sources, and investing in green infrastructure. Democrats also advocate for international
agreements like the Paris Agreement to address climate change on a global scale (Pickering et
al., 2020). Democrats support these solutions because they add in achieving environmental
justice by ensuring equitable access to clean air, water, and land.
The Democrats’ perspective can be explained by using biblical scripture, specifically
Genesis 2:15 which states "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to
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work it and take care of it" (King James Bible, 2022). The purpose of the scripture is to highlight
the responsibility that God has given people to take care of the earth. We have a God-given task
to ensure the wellbeing of God’s creation.
Is Reconciliation Possible?
Despite the differences between Republicans and Democrats regarding climate change, it
is possible to come together. Reconciliation as possible, but it is a three-step process. The first
step is dialogue (Bodin et al., 2020). Dialogue is difficult to have due to the extensive
polarization in our current political process, but it is extremely necessary. The political parties
have turned themselves into echo chambers. They only advocate their current beliefs; however,
this is damaging to the process of reconciliation because it destroys the chance for discussion.
Without discussion, there cannot be a free-flowing change of ideals, and there cannot be any
kind of collaboration that takes place. The second step in the process of reconciliation is figuring
out the common goal. When figuring out what the goal that everyone is trying to achieve, it is
possible to see opportunities to discuss the difference in priorities, and also it allows the different
parties to create a game plan in order to achieve those goals. If one group’s goal is to lower
carbon emission, and the other group’s goal is to prevent rising sea levels, they should discuss
how these goals can work in tandem. Priorities do not have to be in competition with one
another. The third step is to prioritize progress instead of points. Republicans and Democrats
should not be counting victories as legislative initiatives that they get past, but they should use
the outcomes of those policies as measures of success (Bodin et al., 2020). Republicans and
Democrats need to uphold Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 which states “Two are better than one; because
they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe
to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie
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together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him,
two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (King James Bible, 2022).
This scripture shows how they need to come together as one. There are two parties, but it is one
government. They need to support each other in the process towards progress, and if anything
stands up to harm the process, they need to come together, unify, and overcome the challenge.
Living by this biblical scripture is the path of reconciliation. By working in tandem to address
the intricacies of climate change policy, there are better chances at actually making a positive
impact on the environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the debate over climate change is not simply a disconnect between
political identity; it is a disconnect between the beliefs and values that frame how we see the
work. Republicans and Democrats approach the issue from their own unique perspective, and
even though the way they view the situation is different, it is evident that there are biblical
principles being adhered to on each side. Even with these differences, it is possible to reconcile
and collaborate in order to create effective solutions to combat climate change. By having
discussions, finding common ground, and prioritizing the health of the planet and future
generations, policymakers can address the issue of climate change.
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