Credit: James Marvin Phelps/Flickr

President Biden's conservation efforts face uncertainty as Trump eyes return

President Biden's ambitious plan to conserve 30% of US land and water by 2030 is making progress, but a potential Trump return threatens these gains.

In short:

Biden aims to protect 30% of US lands and waters by 2030, with significant strides made since his inauguration.
Trump's possible return could undo these efforts, as he plans to expand oil and gas drilling and reduce protected areas.
The 30x30 initiative has influenced global conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of setting aside land to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.

Key quote:

“We would fight that agenda from Trump and his fossil fuel allies but I’d rather we not have to. The stakes for the election are high.”

— Dan Hartinger, senior director of policy advocacy at the Wilderness Society Action Fund

Why this matters:

Biden's actions not only advance national conservation goals but also set a precedent for global environmental efforts to combat climate change and protect biodiversity. However, these efforts risk being reversed if Trump is re-elected. Read more: Giving Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante the protection they deserve.

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.