Breathing Easy: Why Climate Policies Matter

Life in a bustling city like Hanoi is full of energy, culture, and amazing food. But from October to March, the air quality takes a hit. The Air Quality Index (AQI) often soars, making it hard to breathe without a mask. On rare days when the AQI dips below 100, it feels like a gift. The air might still be moderate, but it's a relief compared to the usual haze. Meanwhile, in the U. S. , the Trump administration rolled back significant climate change efforts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led by officials who doubt climate change, revoked the "endangerment finding. " This ruling was crucial for regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. Without it, the government's ability to tackle climate change is severely weakened. Scientists agree that pollutants like carbon dioxide and methane are heating up the planet, leading to natural disasters, health issues, and even conflicts. The fight isn't over. Environmental and health groups are suing to protect the endangerment finding. But the administration is ready to take their case to the Supreme Court, which has a history of favoring deregulation. Their goal is to limit the federal government's ability to impose environmental regulations, making it harder for future presidents to take action. Trump's administration has also been hostile to green energy, which is growing rapidly worldwide. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are overtaking coal and gas, creating enormous economic opportunities. However, Trump has walked back many of these gains, squandering billions of dollars.In Hanoi, people's lives are heavily influenced by the AQI. On bad days, working in a café without air purifiers can lead to nausea, headaches, and inflamed lungs. The AQI app shows a little cartoon person illustrating the danger levels, from a smiling face on green days to an alarmed face on hazardous days. People in Hanoi aren't living like this for fun. Vietnam's rapid industrialization has lifted millions out of poverty, but it has also led to severe pollution. The government is trying to implement environmental regulations to clean up the air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Americans don't have to choose between economic prosperity and a livable country. We can invest in clean energy sources and be good stewards of our spectacular country. However, the current administration is choosing not to. Trump supports clean air but not efforts to address climate change, but the two are inseparable. Moving from fossil fuels to green energy is crucial for reducing greenhouse gases and improving air quality. The burden of pollution is not felt equally. In the U. S. , low-income residents and minority groups are disproportionately exposed to higher levels of air pollution, leading to illness and premature death. Even with the rollback of environmental regulations, America's largest cities are unlikely to be on the most-polluted lists. But the invisible risks to health, communities, and the planet's future are real. It's baffling that some people invite environmental degradation for politics or profit, burning the future in the process.