Article Reflection No. 69 (9/24/2023)

Article: “White House Directs Agencies to Account for Climate Change in Budgets”

Reflection:

In the article “White House Directs Agencies to Account for Climate Change in Budgets ”, journalist Coral Davenport details how, according to a directive from the White House on Thursday, the cost of climate change may impact policy decision making. Given the White House’s heavy spending—an annual $600 billion — considering climate change’s costs can translate into climate change prevention. While the economic cost of carbon was measured at $42 per ton under the Obama administration, it is currently at $51 under the Biden administration. In the context of the Willow project, this means that the carbon will have approximately $469 million annual economic damage, according to Davenport. Thus, when making policy changes that may lead to increased carbon emissions, implies that the government’s decisions will be impacted by its costs.

While the higher costs per carbon ton may discourage the government from making decisions that harm the environment—a good sign—there is no guarantee that this will be enough to do so. This directive is a reminder the direct correlation between climate change and the economy. I feel that one is more valued by society than the other.