The 30×30 executive order aims to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and freshwater areas and 30% of U.S. ocean areas by 2030. Its purpose is to protect biodiversity, fight climate change, and expand access to nature. It will also conduct a comprehensive review of the federal oil and gas program while promoting renewable energy production.
The American the Beautiful Initiative is closely tied to the 30×30 goal. This initiative seeks to enhance public access to outdoor spaces, restore ecosystems, and protect wildlife habitats.
This author claims that these initiatives harm fisheries and other ocean-based industries. The concern is that these actions could lead to significant economic losses and job impacts in coastal communities that rely on these industries for their livelihoods. However, these concerns were anticipated, and part of the executive order calls for a Task Force of affected parties (including fishermen) and soliciting input from all stakeholders (specifically mentioning fisheries and regional ocean councils).
Climate change is real and will have devastating impacts on all of us if we don’t work together to solve it. Withdrawing these science-backed initiatives will accelerate the effects of climate change and harm all of us, but especially marginalized communities who experience disproportionate impacts.
