U.S. House Democrats have decided to speak up on the issue about climate change, pressing other political arms to pay attention to rising temperatures across the world. However, Republicans aren't taking the initiative too well.
According to The Guardian, the Democratic party does not have a solid plan to battle climate change yet. Furthermore, Republicans are resisting the initiative. It is worth noting that the Republican party has a firmer grip on both the White House and the U.S. Senate.
Raúl Grijalva, House Natural Resources Committee chairman said of the issue, "The majority of Americans consider climate change to be a moral and economic imperative, and they're absolutely right." In line with the sentiments of most U.S. citizens, Democrat members of the committee have devoted February to raise awareness on climate change.
While Democrats are pushing other House members to act on the global dilemma, GOP (Grand Old Party, another term for the Republican party) lawmakers have been questioning methods presented by scientific studies. Republicans said reducing fossil fuel loss would have a negative impact on the economy as it is too expensive.
The Republican party also stressed the technologically infeasible aspects of potential plans to cut down on fossil fuel production. For them, this scientific recommendation will not be applicable to citizens in the grassroots.
Representative Rob Bishop is among the politicians who believe there are other more important topics to be heard. Bishop said the House should be hearing Black History Month or the National Park Service maintenance issue instead of climate change. He added that hearing sessions should also focus on dragging wildfires in the country.
Earlier government reports noted that for the last five years, temperatures soared and it is expected that global warming could exceed a 1.5C hike for the next five years. Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper testified that North Carolina experienced more serious mudslides and hurricanes. Cooper added that these global warming effects have had a severe impact on crops.
In 2018, the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration and NASA recorded the hottest year in history, CNN reported. This report echoed concerns from House Democrats and scientists about the increasing effects of climate change.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, known as a moderate Republican, appeared to break ties with the opposing party as he joined Democrats in calling out for action towards proactive brainstorming on methods that could thwart the effects of global warming.
Multiple government reports and scientific studies have stressed the importance of acting on climate change. It is unclear how Wednesday's hearings, headed by the Democratic party, will affect further House discussions.
