With all the unique events, tragedies, and situations that 2020 has found itself in, it is almost of little surprise that it also tied 2016 for the hottest year on record. With wicked wildfires, droughts, and natural disasters this year, it is clear that nature had its fair share of suffering. And as I write from my desk here at CIMA Law Group in Arizona, I am reminded of the brutal summer endured here in the south-west United States.
According to the guardian, “the world’s seven hottest years on record have now all occurred since 2014,” a startling fact could be the new reality for all of us. In fact, scientists had even hoped that this year could be more moderate, since Earth’s climate is experiencing La Niña, which acts to cool temperatures. While it is possible to see more of La Niña’s effects in 2021, the happenings of 2020 should leave all of us feeling unsettled.
After four years of Trump, who will be remembered as weakening or removing over “125 rules and policies aimed at protecting the nation’s air, water, and land, with 40 more rollbacks underway,” there could be much environmental change coming, as Biden enters as the new president. This could, to some extent, influence our global temperatures, as the United States still stands as a major carbon dioxide contributor. As the consequences of climate change continue to swiftly progress, there is still much tension around the world as to how each government will handle climate policy.
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