We need to do something about Global Warming. The Paris accord never was enough, and now that Trump has pulled out, it never will be.
I see one symbolic maneuver that could potentially gain support from both parties, could dramatically demonstrate the sacrifice that the “liberal elites” are willing to make to end global warming, and would not disproportionately hurt the working classes.
It’s time to ban airplanes.
Airplanes represent approximately 2% of CO2 emissions, globally. While 2% feels like a small amount, we need to make dramatic cuts to all sources of emissions.
Airplanes are also highly symbolic. The Reagan presidential library holds debates directly in front of Reagan’s Air Force One. Every climate summit, the deniers point out (correctly) that if people are flying half way around the world on private jets, maybe they don’t actually care about global warming that much.
As an additional advantage, this would force supply chains to be shorter, bringing some manufacturing jobs back to the United States. Any plan that Donald Trump will sign onto is worth pursuing.
We can’t make Global Warming a partisan issue. From a tactical point of view, it hasn’t worked; anti-climate change Republicans control the Presidency and both houses of Congress. The 2018 election can be fought on dozens of other issues. Global Warming is too important to squabble over, and it’s too time-critical to wait 18 months for action. We need to find a new bi-partisan consensus now.
Finally, the best part: if Donald Trump refuses to participate, this can be negotiated and implemented by other countries. If US airlines can’t get over-flight and landing rights for their flights, they will have to cancel them. A ban merely on international flights would not have the full effect, but would still be a strong beginning in the battle against Global Warming.