The United States has always been a step ahead. It is out of this country that the iPhone the hybrid car and the paper bag materialized. However, in the recent scope of climate change the US is taking a back seat. The US has yet to pass an energy-climate bill while other countries such as China have already begun implementing new energy saving policies for manufacturers. Despite the United States’ capabilities and resources, they have taken a step back and have begun to let others win. The country that had prided itself so much on innovation has now turned its back on that value and is waiting for others to make a change.
While climate change is affecting the whole world, some countries, like the United States do not seem to grasp the severity of its effect. The United States has the brain power and the financial ability to help combat the problem with new technologies and legislation but has not been using their full potential. Meanwhile, countries like China, have taken on a new role-the innovator. Friedman turns the issue into a race between nations, with China having a considerable lead on the US. The race should be incentive for the US to get more involved in the issue. A race is a contest, or competition to achieve superiority, and based on the US’ past it would seem that the country likes to win races. However, in this particular one it is lagging far behind. The race should be motivation to push harder, move ahead, to prove one’s self over its competitors. The same is true in this race. The US should be striving to win. The race should propel it forward to develop technology and legislation that can push it forward in the environmental reform realm.
However, it seems as though this race is having the opposite effect. This race on climate change is promoting the US back seat approach. Although, climate change is a global problem affecting every human on this planet the US is putting the responsibility of change on other countries. As long as other countries have taken the concern under their wing and are making changes, the US has little desire to do so. The climate change race has allowed the US to sit back and watch as other countries speed pass. Friedman points out that China and the EU countries have been making changes and the US has yet to make any of those same changes even with the technology available to them. This race has had the opposite effect for the US, instead of propelling research and implementation forward, it has stalled the country into false security that other nations are taking care of the issue.
Friedman addresses the need for change playing on the economic value of “green” manufacturing and technological innovation. Unlike other authors, Friedman outlines the importance of climate change innovation for the economy to attract an audience in a different way. Rather than just informing readers that climate change needs to occur for the sake of the environment, he relates to the status of the US in the global fight for the environment. Friedman constantly reiterates the fact that the US is at a disadvantage and is being left behind, while China is creating jobs and taking the “lead role in the next great global industry.” The economic approach through adoption of programs such as Mike Biddle’s illustrates the value in “green” manufacturing and innovation further than just saving the environment. This approach allows the public to understand and see the other long term advantages from responsibly responding to climate change.
The argument also puts today’s economic crisis in perspective. Taxpayers wonder where there money is going and in what ways their taxes come back to them, it is important to show them hope. Technological innovation and “green” manufacturing gives taxpayers a peace of mind that their money is helping create jobs presently and promote long term change. While it is concerning that they do not see the immediate effects of the money they work hard for, it is hope that this technology and research will combat this from happening again in the future. Friedman’s approach also gives taxpayers hope that the US is still a key global player and a winner in the race. They do not feel let down and as if they are missing out on technologies available in other countries. It is a sense of security that the US still has and will continue to have a prominent role in the world.
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