Climate law commemoration dampened by escalating disasters: US
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The US' disaster recovery fund faces depletion this month unless Congress takes action.
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An aerial image shows destroyed homes burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii, Aug. 10, 2023. (AP)
President Joe Biden is commemorating the first anniversary of his climate law with several speakers and a White House celebration. The festivities revolve around the Inflation Reduction Act, which has allocated almost $370 billion for investments in clean energy.
This observance takes place against the backdrop of escalating climate-driven disasters that are afflicting the nation. While these calamities underscore the necessity of a substantial climate law, they also provide fodder for Republican critics seeking to undermine Biden's response.
The recent catastrophic wildfire in Maui has become the deadliest of its kind in modern US history, as fire risks surge across the nation.
Last month set new records as the hottest ever recorded, resulting in numerous casualties.
Federal authorities have elevated this year's hurricane forecast from "near normal" to "above normal," heightening the threat of further destructive storms. The nation's disaster recovery fund faces depletion this month unless Congress takes action.
Vice President Kamala Harris remarked on the stark impact of the climate crisis during an event in Seattle tied to the Inflation Reduction Act, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. However, Republican voices, including those who opposed the climate law, contend that Biden's immediate response to disaster victims has been insufficient.
Many Americans are frustrated by what they see as insufficient attention and assistance being given to their fellow citizens facing a natural disaster. The supplies provided to Ukraine have also triggered anger among Americans.
Some citizens view the allocation of billions of dollars worth of weapons to Ukraine as a misappropriation of taxpayer dollars. They argue that the United States should prioritize domestic needs over international commitments, especially in a time of economic challenges and pressing issues at home.
Even former President Donald Trump's campaign released a video expressing condolences for the victims in Maui while critiquing the administration's actions.
How efficient is the Inflation Reduction Act?
While the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law have spurred significant investments, encompassing numerous clean energy projects, the world has transitioned beyond the point where merely reducing fossil fuel consumption suffices.
Climate-related perils have materialized, necessitating complex and costly efforts to safeguard the public from a range of threats, including flash floods, extreme heat, intensified hurricanes, rising sea levels, droughts, and wildfires.
These challenges extend to addressing issues such as crop shortages, mass migration, and disruptions in property insurance.
Biden's climate law sells itself as a historic achievement, yet a recent Princeton University report indicates that even if all of the president's climate initiatives are fully executed (a prospect that remains uncertain), they would fall short of achieving the objectives set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
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