Dear (Next) President,

According to epa.gov the U.S., in 2014, had a total greenhouse gas emission of 6.87 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. After China, the United States ranks second largest contributor to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Of the total amount of U.S greenhouse gasses emitted in 2014, 84% were energy related, and 92% of those emissions were from fossil fuel usage. Petroleum is the largest source of CO2 emissions from energy consumption in the U.S, followed by coal and natural gas. Fossil fuels won't last forever, and their continued usage on a global scale will only cause more harm than good in the future.

It is my opinion that the U.S has a responsibility to its citizens and the world to aid in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It is important that there are more policies implemented to aiding in the improvement of the environment and reduction of pollution. Doing so would be beneficial to the environment and alternative energy sources can be a source of economic improvement. Commonly discussed renewable energy sources include solar power, wind power, geothermal energy, and hydro power. Renewable energy sources along with environmental benefits also improve public health. According to who.int, air pollution increases in heart and respiratory disease. Renewable energy sources can supply a large and inexhaustible supply of energy, and can be a source for jobs in the U.S because fossil fuel technologies are mechanized and capital intensive while the renewable energy industry is more labor intensive. The creation and installation of technologies for renewable energy requires labor from a variety of fields such as project development, construction, operation and maintenance, as well as transportation.

Another answer to the reduction of greenhouse gases is carbon sequestration. Carbon sequestration is a natural or artificial process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and held in solid or liquid form. Carbon dioxide is naturally captured from the atmosphere through biological, chemical or physical processes. Biological sequestration is typically accomplished through the restoration and establishment of forests, wetlands, and grasslands.

With all the available options to circumvent the issue regarding fossil fuel usage, finding a practical source of energy, and pollution I believe that you could call a special session and recommend laws to Congress in support of cleaner energy sources. Perhaps you could speak with some of your advisors about ways that the government could help make a difference in our impact on the environment. With your help the United States could be a leader in the change to having an eco-friendly world.