California Governor Jerry Brown continues working to make environmental protection part of his legacy as the last few months of his fourth and final term as governor come to an end. He was first elected governor in the 1970's as a young man, serving two terms then and was a supporter of the early years of the solar industry. After three unsuccessful presidential campaigns, time as the CA attorney general, and two more terms as governor, climate change remains one of his passions. As he leads a conference this week, he battles the federal government which announced last year that the U.S. would leave the Paris Climate Agreement. Meanwhile, Brown has set ambitious goals for CA to get five million electric cars on the road by 2030, mandate 100 percent carbon free electricity by 2045, and push forward on the long term high speed rail project.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you feel about Governor Brown's continued push for environmental protection in the face of federal opposition?
2. Will the efforts California is making to protect the environment actually make a difference, or is Brown right to be skeptical?
3. What action do you hope to see from our new governor next year on the issue of climate change?
I think the Governor Brown's push for environmental protection is model for all states to change their ways toward a cleaner world. We need to remember there are multiple generations after us who will live on the Earth and we need to make it livable for all. Not following federal protocol proves how big of a problem that it is to defy.
ReplyDeleteI believe that it is smart for Governor Brown to be a proponent of environmental protection because we can't continue to destroy earth like we have been in the past if we want it to be habitable for the generations to come. I understand that this is defiant of current federal views, but the negative implications down the road are too great to ignore it. Yes, we may not actually make much of a difference in the big picture, but if we try and lead by example, it could cause others to sober up to the issue. We need to remember that our abuse of the planet does not only mean that we will run out of resources, but it also means that the world as we know it could fall apart. If we want our economy to last, our political system to last, our quality of life to remain high, and our planet avoid terminal damage in the long term, we need to support environmental protection and look at ways that everyone can live sustainably.
ReplyDeleteI believe it is good for Governor Brown to be ambitious in the face of opposition because it will help inspire others to work towards the goal. I think Brown has the right to be skeptical about California's efforts because his goals are very ambitious and that makes it hard to complete them in a set time. Any progress that California makes towards the goals is good but I'm not sure it will be as impactful as he hopes it to be.I hope the new governor will continue with large involvement in environmental protection and continue to pursue the goals that have been set by Governor Brown.
ReplyDeleteGovernor Brown's passion for environmental protection is a good focus. I think that his push for environmental protection in the face of federal opposition is important because our environment is not improving and I believe climate change is a real thing that needs to be addressed more by the government because there is research that proves that humans are worsening environmental condition. However, Governor Brown is right to be skeptical because Trump has really emphasized that environment protection is not a priority of his administration.
ReplyDeleteI believe Governor Brown has made the right choice in choosing to implement its own climate change regulations. Even if California doesn't make a noticeable change by itself. It can become a leader for other states and countries to pursue its own climate change regulations.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Governor Brown's focus environmental protection will be beneficial in the long run. A healthier environment will help all people from all backgrounds reap the benefits. The regulations that come with the environment will make a difference and hopefully inspire other states to adopt such policies. I hope to see commitment from the from Governor Brown and California as a whole to protect the environment in order to have a healthier, more efficient Earth.
ReplyDeleteThis is Jeremy Ho.
DeleteI support Governor Brown's push to increase environmental protection because I believe that the environment is something that many people don't pay attention to and society is running at a rate that is completely unsustainable. I believe the largest issue isn't global warming or deforestation, but the massive use of nonrenewable energy sources. Eventually, we will run out and will then be forced to seek alternatives. While the efforts of CA in trying to introduce electric cars most likely will not make a difference, it does create incentives for more research in renewable energy sources and electric cars, which is a good thing. I would like to see more emphasis on renewable energy research from future governors, not just zero emission cars. In fact, most electric cars produce more net emissions than gasoline cars because the energy that goes into those cars are created by burning fossil fuels and when energy is transferred from one source to another, energy is lost, which means that electric cars are less energy efficient than gasoline cars. However, with new research in renewable energy,then electric cars can be truly emission free.
ReplyDeleteI believe that it very tenacious for Brown to stick with pushing for climate change, and I believe that it brings a stronger push to have more environmental protection. Personally, I agree I think that the earth is such a thing that we need to protect at all costs. There are many problems in the world and we need to address them as well, but if the earth is gone then we all are. I think the efforts of Brown and CA have done to try to lower out emissions and reduce our carbon footprint is, and generally CA tend to be liberal and leaders for change. Recently, there was a march for climate in SF and that prove that it is not just Brown pushing policy on people, but that CA actually does want to see change.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Governor Brown's push for climate change, and increasing environmental protection in California is a good cause. I think the the earth is something that we need to preserve and protect for the sake of society and future generations that will come to inhabit the earth. Governor Brown has recognized that the current way that we are using energy sources and treating the environment is unsustainable and we need to make changes soon to begin to work towards having a sustainable environment. While I think his current proposals won't help immediately, it can be the beginning of change.
ReplyDeleteI think that not only being a good final legacy move, Governor Brown's push for climate change is very beneficial to our survival. We have seen how our world has been affected over time and that climate change is a real thing. Governor Brown's skepticism is understandable though, as we haven't made a lot of progress in improving climate change. We as a society need to know that we affect our survival on Earth with the use of fossil fuels. As not many states have started to improve climate change, starting in California can make a huge difference influencing and improving our future. I also agree with Sean that, while his proposals won't help immediately, it can help us in the long run.
ReplyDeleteI full on support the push Governor Brown has for climate change. The truly biggest opponent he has is not only the climate change itself but also convincing those doubters that climate change is real and must be addressed. Because with no doubt problems will occur if we as a country just ignore it. My father drives an electric car I begin to see the difference between my car and his. We use solar energy to charge it so he doesn't have to pay a penny on gas, which means 0 emissions, and still is able to commute to SF everyday. We as a country should start to even more adopt the ideas of electric cars and renewable energy in order to have a better future for us and our next generation.
ReplyDeleteI admire Brown for using his time left in office to address an issue such as climate change especially because half the country chooses to ignore it. I also admire his understanding of the current situation. Brown does have some pretty radical proposals to mitigate climate change, but he is a "realist." He understands that it is going to take a while for the rest of the nation/world to follow suit, and I think this is why his policy is so important. Brown recognizes the importance of reform to combat climate change, but he also acknowledges that not everyone will agree with him. It is hard to say that these reforms will do anything, but by having Brown propose and be so vocal about reform will guide policymakers towards a consensus so that legislation that will satisfy both sides and best handle this issue will be passed. Brown's skepticism on this is issue is understandable especially because much of the country isn't really concerned with climate change compared to immigration or foreign policy. However, the new governor should take this skepticism with a grain of salt so that one would not ignore climate change and continue Brown's work in mitigating climate change.
ReplyDeleteMary Entoma
DeleteI think that the push Governor Brown has for climate change is smart, since it will improve the lives of those generations that are to come. There is clearly a difference of beliefs between California and the federal government, and I believe that by emphasizing this, Governor Brown is trying to distance himself, as well as the next elected candidate and California as a whole, away from the views of the current presidential administration. I believe that this is a clear representation about how polarized our country is becoming, since what Brown is enforcing are clearly liberal views, while President Trumps policies are clearly conservative views. In conclusion, I do believe that what Brown is doing is a smart move that will benefit all future Californians as well as those who live here in the present.
ReplyDeleteI support Governor Brown as personally, environmental issues are very important to me. There have been countless instances in history where some issues have taken decades of persistence to be put at the forefront of American politics. Some examples of this include the civil rights movement and the womens' rights movements. Thus, since environmental protection is important, it is vital that individuals such as Governor Brown continue to advocate for it until it is addressed in government.
ReplyDeleteI support Governor Brown's continued push for environmental protection laws despite federal opposition. I think his views and policies accurately represent those of majority of Californians, and so benefit our state. I also think that he sets an example for other states. Even though the national government doesn't have a set program for environmental protection, this does not mean individual states can't set their own. I am also skeptical that California's efforts by itself will make very little impact; however, I think it is a good starting place for the domino effect. Hopefully other states will follow in California's example and together the impact will be greater and more beneficial. The new governor should continue environmental protection laws in CA, and should advocate for reform in the national level.
ReplyDeleteI think that the efforts by Governor Brown pushing for environmental protection are very important since Trump's administration doesn't support efforts towards reducing climate change and also look to opt out of the Paris Climate Agreement. My hopes for the new governor of California are to continue Brown's efforts to reduce climate change since even a little bit of change can make a big difference. I think that Brown's goals for the future are a good start since once outcomes are noticeable, other states can see the possibilities of financing environmental protection and will want to receive that same benefits. This way states can start a trend to turn around the downward path that the US is currently is in regard to environmental protection.
ReplyDeleteI respect that Brown sees environmental protection as a critical issue that must be addressed, and I understand his positions on oil drilling and conservation. This is why we have states rights, for when the wants of the states and the federal government don't align, except this time the states are in the right. I think that California's policies will help, but without more widespread support it won't be enough, however once clean power becomes cheap enough, especially through energy subsidies and R&D subsidies it will supplant non renewable energy, which will hopefully be enough to combat climate change. I hope that our new governor will continue Brown's legacy and fight climate change, especially emphasizing the development of ever cheaper and more efficient renewable power in order to supplant dirtier energy.
ReplyDeleteI love that Governor Brown is fighting for the environment. It is a really important that needs to be addressed by the entire world. Unfortunately, if only California does everything it can, it won't be enough. The earth needs every single person to do better in the state that its in. Switching to renewable energy is good for the environment, but it is also good for the economy. In the long-term, it will make things much better. I only hope that our new governor will keep up Governor Brown's passion for the environment. We are going to need someone who can keep all of this progress up as well as an advocate for better policies.
ReplyDeleteI support Governor Brown's continued push for environmental protection despite federal opposition. With Republicans overpowering the majority of the federal government, climate change does not seem to be an important issue on the current political agenda. The government's announcement to leave the Paris Agreement last year is only proof of this. Thus, it is important for state governments to speak up against this ignorance. While Brown's push for environmental protection may not be enough to cause a significant change in the beginning, I believe that with enough support among its residents, other states will be able to see the benefits of being environmentally efficient and hence upstart protective policies as well. From there, if enough states prioritize environmental protection, the federal government may stop being ignorant of this issue and add it to its political agenda. Moreover, as research on how to protect the environment grows and improves, cheaper yet more efficient renewable energy sources will rise and allow the environmental protection movement to prosper.
ReplyDeleteI think that Governor Brown's mindset on Climate Change is correct, as it is a serious matter which cannot be changed by a couple of emission restricting policies. I think his policies leading California to a clean energy state is admirable. It is an example of how states can use their power to maintain their beliefs even if the federal government thinks otherwise. I hope that our next governor will not seek to undo his hard work, and take his policies further, until they reach his goal.
ReplyDeleteI think that Governor Brown is being fairly noble and wise to push California towards a more environmental friendly state even against federal opposition. I personally believe that pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement was a stupid decision and therefore support and greatly admire Governor Brown’s ambitions for California. Even if the efforts California is making won’t necessarily be noticed or appreciated in the short term, I do believe that it will set an example for other states to follow. In the long run I think Governor Brown’s actions will make a difference as more states and nations around the world start to realize the seriousness of this issue. I hope that whoever the new governor is next year will either continue Governor Brown’s policies or create/revise new ones with the same goals in mind. Environmental protection is something we need to prioritize because if we don’t life as we know it will perish.
ReplyDeleteI believe Governor Brown's continued push for environmental protection in the face of federal opposition is a positive action. The environment has sustained heavy and sometimes irreparable damage from human activities; I believe control measures should be introduced and implemented to mitigate further damage. However, under the current presidential administration, it seems that environmental protection will be limited (if at all). Governor Brown's advocacy for environmental protection is needed under an administration that may or may not address the problem. His plans for the further sound promising, but the degree of implementation in the face of federal opposition remains an issue.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Governor Brown's continued push for environmental protection is very admirable, especially considering that fact that he is facing a huge amount of opposition form the federal government. I demonstrates that he clearly feels that it is a cause that should be prioritized, and I find it commendable that he continues to push for the cause even in his final time in office. It also shows that the Governor is taking into account the lives of future generations, since the current trends of climate change will come to affect them to a greater degree than it does us today. It would be easy for him to avoid the issue, but instead, he decides to fight for the well-being of others. This is especially admirable when considering how little the federal government seems to prioritize the issue of climate change. By going against their agenda and wishes, I think Governor Brown is setting a noble example that could help inspire other leaders to put the same effort towards the growing concern of climate change.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Trump has decided that the US would leave the Paris Climate Accord, it does not seem that Brown is fueling opposition to Trump's decision. States are allowed to create stricter regulations than the federal government enforces, this is just an inherent part of federalism. However, I do think that it is important that California sets the example to the other states on how we should continue to strive towards renewable energy sources. For who ever the next governor is, I would like to see them create incentives for energy companies to switch to renewable energy alternatives, creating a plan to completely switch over sometime in the future.
ReplyDeleteI believe Governor Brown’s continued adamance towards environmental protection is vital to our society today, which has become overdependent on harmful materials. While a majority of people in the United States agree that climate change is caused by human activity, as illustrated by a data analysis presentation in class, many are still unwilling to direct any regulations towards solving the issue. In addition to the infamous withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, Congress has shown hesitance in other environmental matters such as their pending renewal of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This fund, which expires on September 30, highlights the current necessity of conserving our limited natural resources while the lack of attention towards it illustrates the nation’s failure to look towards the future we are creating for ourselves. I believe Brown’s push within California will raise awareness on the issue and reiterate the importance of actually enforcing changes rather than passively complaining. Citizens should also attempt to bring awareness to the issue without the dependence of the federal government, such as the recent march in San Fransisco.
ReplyDeleteI think Brown's commitment is very important especially in our current political climate. Possibly at the national level, the protection of the environment is taking a backseat and other supposedly "pressing" issues are taking precedence. Even though it is scientifically proven that climate change is real, many still believe differently and current politics and debate aren't helping people in believing in the matter. I hope that Brown's actions will sway people on the other side to become more thoughtful and aware of the impact of the environment and the drastic need of it to be a priority now rather than later. I think he is bound to face harsh criticism from people who disagree, but I think speaking out and fierce commitment to this issue is one of the best ways to incite change and change people's perspectives.
ReplyDeleteI feel that governor Brown's commitment to environmental protection is admirable in the face of federal opposition, as through his efforts in this area, he has clearly proved his dedication towards the cause of environmental protection. Especially with the U.S. pulling out of the Paris agreements, continuing to protect the environment is just a generally beneficial move. While protecting the environment may slightly hinder short term growth, long term, the benefits will most certainly show, and also prevents the world from passing a point of no return in terms of environmental devastation. I think that any move that California makes in terms of environmental protection is crucial, as California is one of the most populous states in the United States, and is also a major agricultural center. Therefore, any policy that California does make when regarding environmental policy will affect a large number of people, and will have similar effects to if a small nation decided to adopt those policies.
ReplyDeleteI believe what Governor Brown is doing is admirable and absolutely the right decision. Despite President Trump's resistance to climate control and environmental protection, Gov. Brown is using state's rights to his advantage and attempting to make a difference and set the right example for other states to follow.
ReplyDeleteCalifornia certainly ought to continue to meet the benchmarks set by the Paris Climate Agreement, regardless of Federal policy. It is well within the states Constitutionally protected rights to exercise its own climate policy. However, the impact of Jerry Browns greenhouse gas reform might be too little, too late. In order for substantial change to occur, not just the entire US, but the entire world, must commit itself fully to reducing pollution of the atmosphere. California's reforms are undoubtedly a step in the right direction, but it might be wiser to push for change on the Federal level in order to more effectively reduce climate change in the near future
ReplyDeleteI think that Governor Brown's push for environmental regulation is great. Although many in America, including President Donald Trump, is against environmental regulation, individual states, along with other countries and companies, can potentially work together to fix the problem. I think a lot of work can get done, and while support from the president and America as a whole would be a large step in the right direction, I think that his passion and leadership can result in huge progress for environmental protection.
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