Recent Op-Eds From Student Leaders
This summer, S4CD unveiled the “Student Government Leaders’ Statement on Carbon Dividends”—the largest declaration of student government leaders in US history. The 350+ signees hail from all 50 states and campuses with more than 4 million students.
Below are some recent op-eds by Student Body Presidents from across the country, making the case for US climate leadership and the carbon dividends solution.
“Like young people before us, we hope to enjoy the same — or better — opportunities as our parents. Yet unless we find a climate solution that can pass Congress and stand the test of time, our future security and prosperity are at risk.
That’s why we have joined more than 350 student body presidents of America’s colleges and universities in support of a bipartisan climate policy framework. It’s called carbon dividends. Already, this policy approach has attracted a large coalition of businesses and environmental leaders, and has been endorsed by thousands of economists. Now we are adding our support, with the largest student government leader statement in history.
With this national call, we hope to underscore how this climate strategy can unify Americans of all stripes. The student leaders who signed on come from all 50 states and represent the full gamut of political perspectives and life experiences. Yet we all find something to like in this concrete solution.”
“As we work toward achieving environmental justice for all, the carbon dividends plan is a powerful and politically viable solution that would improve the wellbeing of Americans on the receiving end of environmental harm. This framework offers a surefire way to mitigate climate impacts on Black and brown communities, while ensuring that public and economic health are advanced at the same time. It is a smart approach that deserves broad support.”
“Throughout the nation, young people care about climate change and are eager to find solutions. With decades of life ahead of us, our generation recognizes that sound policy action could be the difference between a diminished future and one of continued growth and prosperity.
Proposals that seek to dismantle capitalism or advance a partisan agenda, however, can breed mistrust and hinder progress on this issue. Instead, a market-based climate strategy offers the most promising basis for a bipartisan climate breakthrough.”
“Wherever one falls on the political spectrum, the carbon dividends solution has something in it for you. For conservatives, this market-based plan would harness the power of incentives and innovation to advance clean energy. For liberals, it would address climate change in a way that, thanks to the revenue returned to households, also promotes equity and justice.
Most importantly, this proposal would penetrate to the heart of the climate challenge and deliver emissions reductions far faster, cheaper, and greater than ever before. Carbon pricing of just a few pennies per pound of CO2 would allow us to sail far beyond the goals of the Paris Climate Accords and protect our families and communities from climate disruption.”