• Geography -> Climate and environment

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How does the US compare to European countries in terms of environmental policy?

Lacey Mustard

The United States and European countries have different approaches to environmental policy. In general, European countries have more strict regulations and are more actively pursuing environmentally sustainable practices.

In the US, environmental policy is often a controversial topic. Some people believe that reducing regulations on businesses will help the economy grow, while others think that protecting the environment should be a top priority. The current US administration has rolled back many environmental regulations, including withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement.

On the other hand, European countries have taken a more proactive approach to environmental policy. The European Union has created many laws and regulations to protect the environment, including limits on carbon emissions and bans on single-use plastics. European countries have also invested in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Many European cities have implemented sustainable transportation options like bike-sharing programs and public transit.

One major difference between the US and European countries is the amount they invest in renewable energy. In 2020, renewable energy made up 21% of the energy consumed in the European Union, while in the US it was only 11%. European countries have also set ambitious goals for reducing their carbon emissions. For example, the UK has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

Overall, while the US has made some efforts towards environmental policy, European countries are generally ahead in terms of regulations and investment in sustainable practices.