The frequency and cost of billion-dollar weather and climate emergencies have both increased significantly over the past decade, leading to increased displacement, loss of life, and other damaging consequences for marginalized and disadvantaged communities. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency’s estimates, the direct costs of disasters between 2018 and 2019 amounted toover $136 billion. Due to the climate gap, poor communities of color bear the brunt of climate disasters.

In your view, how can FEMA build disaster resilience against climate emergencies in communities, particularly those that are historically marginalized and disadvantaged?

(Contributed by theDay One Project.)

During the COVID-19 crisis, Citizen Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use has resulted in an estimated global monthly usage of129 billion masks and 65 billion gloves. Conservationists warn there may be“more masks than jellyfish in the sea”soon. The damage from the PPE plastic contamination to soil and water quality may also create new breeding grounds for disease vectors and threaten food security.

In your view, how can the EPA address and reduce the plastic pollution arising from single use PPE during the COVID-19 crisis?

(Contributed by theDay One Project.)

In 2020, the Western United States experienced a record-setting year of catastrophic wildfires. Human-caused climate change hasincreased the burn area 900% since 1984, leading to more severe incidents and increasing carbon emissions that drive climate change. Since 2008,deaths have doubled as a result of wildfiresand there has been a 60% increase in wildfire damage costs.

What, in your view, is the strategy for proactive wildfire management that the Council on Environmental Quality, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, and the National Park Service, among others, should develop?

(Contributed by theDay One Project.)

Improved energy storage technologies would expand the range of low-carbon pathways available to fight climate change—especially those relying on variable renewable energy resources, like wind and solar power. However, the most comprehensive estimate of federal R&D spending on energy storage comes from a 2015 OMB interagency “crosscut”:$300 million.

In your view, is this a sufficient level of federal investment for energy storage technologies? Please explain.

(Contributed by theDay One Project.)

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) wereused在广泛的共同对象,如refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosols. They also damage the ozone layer, contribute to dangerous UV exposure, and accelerate climate change. Gases such as methane are also contributing to the warming of our planet.

In 1987, the U.S.signedon to the Montreal Protocol to phase out ozone-depleting chemicals by 2030, and in 2015, the U.S. again pledged its willingness to mitigate climate change by signing on to theParis Agreement, before the Trump administration withdrew from it.

During this new Administration, please explain what you see as the role of the US government in controlling the emissions of non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases such as methane and HCFCs.

Many have asserted that the burning of biomass, such as wood, is a carbon neutral source of energy. However, clearing sections of forest to obtain wood for burning canreleasemore carbon into the atmosphere than would be saved, and the negative impacts from this can take decades to subside. In addition, producing and burning wood pellets, which is a growing industry in the southeastern U.S., canreleaseas much or even more carbon dioxide than burning coal.

What should be done to ensure that the federal government develops evidence-based policies regarding the burning of biomass that prioritize the health of the environment and our communities?

Studies haveshownthat air pollutants can have a negative effect on plant growth and their absorption of nutrients from the soil. Researcherssuggestthat pollution is likely causing yield losses between 5 percent and 12 percent for staple crops like rice, wheat, and soybeans.

What should the US government do to reduce air pollutants and protect these crops?

Some pesticides in regular use in the US areconsidereda risk to people and wildlife, including bees and other pollinators. In recent years, the European Commission hasdisallowedthe outdoor use of some of these pesticides.

In your view, does the US government need to go further in addressing the risks of these types of pesticides (the so-called neonicotinoids)?

Marginalized communities are oftenexposedto more particulate matter pollution than higher-resourced communities. These tiny particle pollutants areassociated与心血管疾病等健康问题e, respiratory illness, diabetes, and neurological problems.

What, in your view, should the US government do to monitor particulate matter pollutants in different neighborhoods, and what should be done to help communities that are more greatly impacted?

Over the past 30 years or so, studies havedemonstratedhow a variety of chemicals, industrial pollutants, and human by-products are making their way into the environment. Many are known as “contaminants of emerging concern,” andincludemedicines, personal care or household cleaning products, and lawn care and agricultural products.

What is your perspective on how the powers of the federal government should be leveraged to address these chemicals?

The US faces many environmental challenges, from wildfires to invasive species. Perspectives from a diverse set of researchers are necessary to comprehensively address these challenges. But in the US, Native Americans areunderrepresentedin STEM fields.

What is your perspective on the federal government’s role in encouraging theinclusionof Indigenous researchers – and Indigenous knowledge – in efforts to counter threats to the environment?

Thepurchaseof electric cars is forecast to increase. As the transportation sector becomes electrified, there may be a scenario where the majority of pollution is produced from point sources, such as power plants that use fossil fuels. A significant portion of the US power grid will continue to bedependenton fossil fuels before the country can achieve 100% clean energy.

This could create more regional air quality issues. How should the US government prepare for this possibility?

Your question could be here!