The Great Green Competition: How the United States can Ascend to the Challenge
Open AccessThe Great Green Competition: How the United States can Ascend to the ChallengeThe United States and China, as the two largest economies, consume the most energy and emit the most greenhouse gases. While the globe faces a climate crisis manifested by devastating floods, extreme heat, drought, and rising water levels, world leaders at the Paris Agreement agreed to curb global warming below two degrees Celsius. This paper surveys the international and bilateral promises the two countries have made towards combating climate change and examines their respective domestic climate policies. The paper then argues that future global leadership will be measured by a country’s ability to lead in renewable energy utilization, carbon emissions reduction, and safeguarding the world from the dire effects of climate change. For the U.S. to succeed in this race for global leadership and influence, the paper argues, first, effectuate emissions reduction through the Department of Defense which emits more greenhouse gases than Portugal, second, incorporate climate change in the federal procurement process. This paper provides a three-step process to help DoD achieve 24/7 renewable energy operations: increased renewable energy usage, reduced energy consumption, and long-term battery storage technology development to achieve a significant emissions reduction. Finally, the paper discusses how the United States can harness over $600 billion in annual federal procurement spending to change behaviors and combat climate change. Mainly, through revisions to the Federal Acquisition Regulation: eliminating the DoD exception, mandating carbon neutral purchases in FAR part 23, incorporating climate change considerations during the solicitating phase, and providing green incentives to small and disadvantaged business.
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