Climate Advocates Hold Mock Funeral for Endangered Climate Regulation

A Funeral for the Planet: Climate Activists Mourn Regulatory Loss

In a poignant display of climate activism, a collective of environmental advocates came together outside the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Region 9 headquarters in San Francisco to stage a mock funeral for the 2009 endangerment finding, a vital climate regulation tool that the Trump administration recently repealed. The activists, adorned in sackcloth and ash—a symbol of mourning—grieved the demise of the regulation that recognized carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as threats to public health and the welfare of current and future generations.

Understanding the Significance of the Endangerment Finding

The endangerment finding, initially issued during the Obama administration in 2009, allowed the EPA to set standards under the Clean Air Act to curtail emissions from vehicles, power plants, and other major sources of climate pollution. Its retraction, which takes effect on April 20, 2023, represents not only an administrative shift but a stark regression in America’s commitment to combating climate change.

In expressing their sorrow, organizer Michelle Merrill, an evolutionary anthropologist associated with the multi-disciplinary group Scientist Rebellion Turtle Island, stated, "We are gathered to pay our respects to the endangerment finding, for the brief life it had that was taken from us too soon." Such events showcase not just the loss of a rule but underline the environmental tragedies that will follow—exacerbated heatwaves, wildfires, and habitat losses are all predicted outcomes of the decision.

The Broader Context of the Mock Funeral

This funeral for the endangerment finding echoes similar, symbolic actions taken by environmentalists worldwide. Just last year, prominent naturalist Chris Packham led a procession in Bath, England, as part of a funeral march aimed at highlighting the alarming loss of biodiversity. Such protests serve to raise public awareness and instill a sense of urgency in addressing environmental degradation, part of a broader movement advocates say is essential in mobilizing public action against climate inaction.

As climate activists donned mourning attire in San Francisco, they sang dirges, recited eulogies, and observed moments of silence, illustrating the deep emotional connection shared by those fighting for the environment. In highlighting the stakes involved, they brought to the forefront both the emotional toll of losing critical regulations and the necessity of continued activism.

Diverse Perspectives from the Climate Community

Paul English, an environmental epidemiologist, remarked on the grave repercussions of abandoning regulatory authority: "This repeal means that the government will no longer have the right to regulate greenhouse gases, which could lead to more catastrophic weather events and fundamentally affect public health in the United States and beyond.” This sentiment underscores a growing frustration within the scientific community who fear a disconnection from data-driven decisions amidst political maneuvering.

Moreover, Joseph Goffman, a former top EPA air official, voiced that such a move is not just legally indecent but morally bankrupt, highlighting a significant clash between scientific integrity and political ethos. As activists rally for accountability, they reiterate the importance of retaining a framework that allows the government to address climate change effectively.

A Call to Action: Resurrecting the Endangerment Finding

The activists' lamentation is not merely an expression of grief, but a rallying call for action. As the group reflected on the impacts of climate inaction, they also urged supporters to fight for the restoration of the endangerment finding, signaling hope amid despair. With ongoing lawsuits from Democrat-led states and public interest groups aimed at challenging the EPA's decision, there is a glimmer of potential recovery for regulations benefiting environmental health.

Through events like this mock funeral, advocates hope to inspire future generations to fight for a sustainable planet. As Merrill poignantly reminded the crowd, "We will rebuild from this, eventually changes will come, and when they do, we want to be ready.” The message resonates—climate activism requires not only mourning losses but fostering resilience for the future.