As the countries of the world become more interconnected and as human activity on the globe increases to the point of sometimes actually threatening our species’ existence on the planet, solving these worldwide problems requires working together with other countries. Climate change is an example of this. Whether or not you believe that human activity plays a large part in the current changes in climate, the problems still exist (rising temperatures, ozone layer changes that permit more deadly radiation to reach the surface of the earth, rising sea levels, more deadly storms), and the only way to do anything about these things on a meaningful scale takes global cooperation. U.S. citizens alone cannot change this tide. Pollution of the oceans and air is another such problem (e.g., plastic pollution that you are consuming right now as microparticles in your foods, even though you don’t know about it).
Effective work on climate and pollution will cost every citizen (and every person around the globe) financially, and it may result in a slightly lower standard of living, since it will require us to use more costly processes to recycle, to make things without polluting, and to possibly consume less. As world resources are reduced by our use of oil and gas, we will have to make things with greater energy efficiency or not make as much. Americans are used to having unlimited resources and opportunities, but this will change, which will mean adjusting to how things really are and not to how we wish them to be. So far, most politicians are not being frank with the voters about these issues but are pretending that they are not important (because “science” will always save us through its research and development). Scientific breakthroughs are not guaranteed and are unpredictable, and it is not prudent to act as if we can do whatever we want, with no consideration for our own future and that of our children.
The Trump administration set a bad example for the people by withdrawing from international work on worldwide issues, particularly because this allows other powers, such as China, to become more influential in the world. Mr. Trump deserves some credit for the NAFTA revision and the NATO financial support deficit, but it is also foolish not to participate in large-group trade treaties which could be advantageous to us (like the Pan-Pacific Partnership). Outside traders always get worse deals than insiders, and Mr. Trump liked being an outsider. I will work toward useful agreements with other countries that will benefit all concerned and will have some hope of success with everyone’s participation.
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