Problem Description
One of the planet’s most significant existential threats is climate change. According to Santos et al., greenhouse gas emissions, including “CO2, CH4, and N2O,” have contributed to the overall atmospheric concentrations, leading to global climate change (p. 1). The primary source of these gases is the burning of fossils, which acts like a blanket wrapped around the Earth (United Nations). If people do not limit the emission of these gases, the consequences will be far-reaching, leading to a rise in temperatures (Santos et al. 3).
In addition to a rise in temperature, climate change also refers to rising sea levels and changing weather patterns, including droughts and flooding. Climate change is significant because when the climate changes, things that people depend on, such as agriculture, transportation, energy, water, ecosystems, and human health, are adversely affected. Therefore, when it is addressed, people will continue to live in an environment that offers all that they need for healthy survival.
Climate change affects my life, family, friends, and community in many ways. For instance, when the climate changes and drought occurs, food production is affected, which harms people’s health. On the other hand, if there is a flood, people can contract diseases, damaging the ecosystem and community infrastructure (Santos et al. 3). When human health is impacted, the same will be reflected in workers’ availability and productivity (Santos et al. 2). Therefore, climate change affects every aspect of the world; hence it needs to be addressed.
Representatives’ Views or Positions on Climate Change
Federal
Elected Official in the House of Representatives: Yvette D. Clarke
Yvette D. Clarke is a member of the US House and represents New York’s 9th Congressional District. Clarke assumed office on January 3, 2013, and has been up to date (US House of Representatives). She has also declared that she will be a candidate in the 2024 election (US House of Representatives).
Clarke is determined to change her jurisdiction and hopes to hold the office again. On climate change, the congresswoman has always been a vocal advocate for addressing it. She participates in advancing environmental policies, investing in renewable energy, and supporting measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For instance, recently, Clarke reintroduced legislation to put the climate crisis at the core of the Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to protect Americans from the effects of climate change (US House of Representatives). Through this legislation, FEMA will be equipped with the necessary resources to support communities in preparing for and recovering from natural disasters caused by climate change. Therefore, Clark views climate change as a pressing issue that affects daily life and should be addressed urgently.
US Senator: Kirsten Gillibrand
The other representative is Kirsten Gillibrand, the junior United States senator from New York. Gillibrand has been in office since 2009 and has accomplished a lot in her seat (US Senate). Over the years, she has shown significant commitment to combating climate change. For instance, recently, Gillibrand proposed, “there is no better place than Governors Island to create a living laboratory focused on climate solutions, research, and education” (Governors Island, par. 3). She has collaborated with many organizations to contribute to fighting the effects of climate change and preparing the community for any issue that might arise.
She stated in 2021 that she was excited to work with Trust for Governors on addressing climate change (Governors Island 3). The senator has also made numerous financial contributions to support initiatives addressing climate change. For example, in 2022, she visited Cornell “to champion agricultural conservation and climate-smart farming provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act and highlight related research and extension efforts in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences” (Ramanujan, par. 1). Therefore, Gillibrand also perceives climate change as a problem that is leaders’ priority to deal with urgently.
State
NY State Assembly: Robert C. Carroll
New York State Assemblymember Robert Carroll was elected in 2016. Carroll is currently the chair of the Subcommittee on Museums and Cultural Institutions and the chair of the Legislative Commission on Government Administration(New York State Assembly, “NY on Carroll’s Biography”). He also serves in various committees that put him in a better position to advocate for measures to combat climate change, including Environmental Conservation, Arts, Parks, and Tourism Committees, and many others (New York State Assembly, “NY on Carroll’s Biography”).
Since his election, Carroll has introduced more than 150 bills that cover many issues, including climate change. On 5 May 2023, he announced that the state’s approved budget includes core elements of his bill: A.279 – The Build Public Renewables Act (New York State Assembly, “NY on Carroll’s Bill”). This represents the fruits of Carroll’s advocacy for the Public Power NY coalition. He introduced this bill in 2019 to help the state meet its climate change goals. Additionally, he announced recently that his new bill will improve property tax abatements for solar electric generating systems (New York State Assembly, “NY on Carroll’s Bill”). These policies that the senator has introduced play a part in attaining the state’s climate goals.
NY State Assembly: Kevin S. Parker
The other representative considered in this paper is Senator Kevin S. Parker, a member of the New York State Senate representing the 21st District. This comprises portions of Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Midwood and Windsor Terrace, among others (The New York State Senate). Ever since his election to the New York Senate in 2002, Parker has been committed to addressing various public concerns, including climate change.
For instance, on April 25, 2023, he passed legislation to mark Earth Day with the Senate Democratic majority, which was further advanced to protect the state’s natural resources and waterways (The New York State Senate). Previously, the New York Senate passed his bill that requires cellular telephone companies to use nonrenewable energy sources (New York State Assembly). The firms must offer the state government plans to make all cell towers completely renewable-energy powered. This demonstrates the senator’s commitment to protecting the environment and combating climate change by working towards achieving the state’s goal of net-zero emissions. Therefore, like other leaders, Parker sees climate change as a serious issue in New York.
City
City Council Person: Rita Joseph
Rita Joseph is a New York City Council Member elected in 2022. Ms. Joseph represents Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Flatbush, Ditmas Park, Kensington, and Southern Crown Heights (New York City Council). Her early life, filled with instances of advocacy, made her a perfect leader to fight against climate change (New York City Council).
During her first year in office, Ms. Joseph has accomplished a great deal, particularly in addressing the issue of climate change. For instance, as of June 2023, she had introduced 22 bills, including measures to winterize farmers’ markets and help mitigate the effects of climate change (New York City Council). She has also sponsored many bills that have directly impacted this issue.
Reaction
The stance of representatives from the federal to the city level gives me more relief and encouragement. I have noticed from recent actions that climate change is a serious and complex problem that requires leaders to advocate for urgent action on behalf of their constituents. All my representatives share my concern and are all working hard to mitigate its effects, which gives more hope for a sustainable and resilient future. Now that all of them agree on the need to combat climate change, I have been motivated to take specific actions as a citizen to advocate for stronger environmental policies.
First, I plan to reach out to my representatives through letters, emails, or phone calls to express my support for their initiatives on climate. Reaching out would help encourage them to continue with their good work in addressing climate change (United Nations Environment Program). I also plan to participate in town hall meetings and environmental events to voice my concerns about climate change to my representatives and participate in public discussions. This will help educate myself more and raise awareness among the public.
Throughout my exploration of my representatives’ stance on climate change, from the federal level to the local level, I have learned how important it is for individuals to be informed and engaged in public matters. Using the official websites of the US Senate, the New York Senate, the New York Assembly, and the New York City Council proved significant in finding details about these leaders and how they responded to this problem. Additionally, researchers need to utilize various sources, as they can provide more in-depth insight into representatives’ positions on critical matters.
Works Cited
Governors Island. Mayor De Blasio and the Trust for Governors Island Announce Global Competition to Establish Leading Climate Solutions Center in New York City, 2021.
New York City Council. District 40: Rita Joseph.
New York State Assembly. Assemblymember Carroll Announces His Major Climate Change Legislation – The Build Public Renewables Act Included in the State’s Final Budget, 2023.
—. Assemblymember Robert C. Carroll.
The New York State Senate. About Kevin S. Parker.
Ramanujan, Krishna. Sen. Gillibrand Touts Funds for Climate-smart Farming, 2022.
Santos, Filipe Duarte, et a. “The Climate Change Challenge: A Review of the Barriers and Solutions to Deliver a Paris Solution.” Climate, vol. 10, no. 5, 2022, 75.
United Nations Environment Program. 10 Ways You Can Help Fight the Climate Crisis, 2022.
United Nations. What Is Climate Change?
US House of Representatives. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke: 9th District of New York.
US Senate. Kirsten Gillibrand: US Senator for New York.