President Biden’s Climate Legacy: Unfinished Business as He Exits Office
President Joe Biden has made history during his four years in office by dedicating more federal attention to climate action than any of his predecessors. His efforts have broken a decades-long impasse and focused on ensuring that vulnerable people and places benefit from climate action.
The Unprecedented Climate Legislation
President Biden signed the first comprehensive U.S. legislation addressing climate change, allocating an incredible $700 billion towards transitioning the nation to cleaner energy. This groundbreaking move has led to the establishment of a new industry aimed at manufacturing and developing energy technologies of the future, with plants sprouting up across the country.
Protecting Public Lands and Promoting Environmental Justice
Furthermore, President Biden has protected more public lands and federal waters than any other president, amounting to 674 million acres. He declared both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts off-limits to oil and gas drilling and established 10 new national monuments, many of which honor sacred tribal sites. Moreover, environmental justice has been elevated as a policy imperative, with 40 percent of climate funding directed towards overburdened communities, focusing on retooling environmental health impact measurements and investing in reconnecting neighborhoods divided by federal highways.
The Climate Dilemma
Despite these significant achievements, one major challenge overshadowing Biden’s climate legacy is the fact that the United States now produces more oil and gas than any other nation in history. This surge in production has led to increased greenhouse gas emissions, counteracting the progress made through investments in wind and solar energy. The U.S. carbon pollution remained stagnant in 2024, the warmest year on record.
As the U.S. aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 under the Paris Agreement, significant reductions are required annually. However, President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to abandon the Paris Agreement and expand oil and gas production raise concerns among climate advocates.
In conclusion, while President Biden made substantial strides in addressing the climate crisis, the nation still grapples with the challenge of reducing reliance on fossil fuels. His climate legacy remains a work in progress, with ongoing efforts needed to combat climate change effectively.