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Pete Policy Deep Dive is finally here!! Today, we’re going to approach his climate change and policy and why framing it as a security issue is important!
First, what is #PeteButtigieg’s policy on climate? 
Outside of implementing the #GreenNewDeal, Pete’s signature idea is implementing a carbon tax and dividend. Here is Pete explaining how and why it’s important ⬇️ meetpete.org/VBc_tU66JZg.ht…
The best case study we have for implementation is Canada, this is a guide to how they’re implementing CT&D. theglobeandmail.com/canada/article…
Like Canada, Pete has called for CT&D to be returned to citizens as a rebate on taxes. While you will have to pay more upfront, the goal is to give you back more so it becomes net positive for every day citizens.
Studies have shown in combination with other policy, which is will be coming later in the thread, CT&D is highly effective at reducing GHG emissions. news.mit.edu/2018/carbon-ta…
You might be asking, what are those other policies? Let’s look at the ones Pete has outlined as priorities for him and their efficacy.
One of the key parts that Pete has mentioned repeatedly is bringing sustainable farming practices and rural America into the fight against climate change. Rural America is key and has a set of unique and practical solutions that can help. iatp.org/issues/climate…
That link is to the policy think tank dedicated to trade and rural America. They have a variety of links to even more resources on this topic. Climate change in rural America is an issue of survival and of social equity
Rural America can also help sequester carbon and methane being emitted, creating large carbon sinks. This article is a case study for promotion of sustainable practices in Latin America which also can create more equity sciencedirect.com/science/articl…
Let’s move from rural America to urban America and Pete’s call for a Pittsburgh agreement.
Many large US cities have committed themselves to the Paris Agreement but that isn’t enough. Pete’s call for a “Pittsburgh Agreement” is unique among the field. This article shows why a bottom-up approach works for CC. journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.117…
There is much more to say on his policy and I can go on for days, but let’s move to Pete’s framing of climate change.
Why is framing climate change a security issue important, or maybe necessary?
For years, the DoD has been classifying climate change as an existential threat. You can read their latest report here ⬇️ media.defense.gov/2019/Jan/29/20…
Studies have shown that climate change will disproportionately affect global conflict hotspots leading to potential wars and mass migrations. google.com/amp/s/amp.econ…
Adding water and food scarcity to already unstable regions is a powder keg waiting to explode. Solving this problem before things get out hand is imperative for not just US security but world stability
Beyond world stability, the economics of renewables can stabilize the American economy for a VERY long time.
Renewable energy comes with permanent, good paying jobs along with a rapidly growing sector. This fact sheet is old but chock full of good links. eesi.org/files/FactShee…
This is a key part of Pete’s call for increased R&D and growth in clean energy. Not only will there be economic growth from that injection but there will be a permanent economic boost from the creation of thousands of new jobs that pay well and cannot go away.
Pete’s plan is the beginning of robust and meaningful change that is practical and will benefit all Americans and the entire world. It is imperative America regains its position at the forefront of climate leadership.
If anyone has any questions please ask but this the end of this deep dive! What policy do y’all want to see next?
On a final, personal note, as a atmospheric sciences major, it makes me so happy that ALL of the major Dem candidates have robust plans to combat the greatest threat facing my generation. Pete’s plan sticks out to me, however, as it is full of tangible and practical goals.
Also @PeteButtigieg if you need an environmental policy intern, lmk.
