President Barack Obama spoke at the commencement for graduates at the University of California, Irvine and he spoke about climate change and the controversy surrounding the issue.
According to ABC News, he called on the graduations to take action when it came to global warming, even comparing the denial of climate change to making the argument that the moon is made of cheese.
President Obama described how there were many people in Congress who were stubborn when it came to rejecting the idea of climate change and others who would avoid the question. He told the graduates that even though there would be people who would try to tell them they can’t try and do something, they shouldn’t let this stop them.
He also said that while the graduates faced cynicism, they should continue to be optimistic, as there has been a lot of change happening around them for Americans.
“More have health insurance. More are graduating from college. Our businesses have added more than nine million new jobs. And the number of states where you’re free to marry who you love has more than doubled. That’s just some of the progress you’ve seen,” the President said in his address.
NBC News reported when he brought up President Kennedy leading us toward going up to the moon, Obama said, “I’m sure some made a serious case it wouldn’t be worth it. But I don’t remember anyone ignoring science. I don’t remember anyone saying the moon wasn’t real, or that it was made of cheese.”
President Obama’s address came after his announcement that he put together a plan that would decrease the pollution that is emitted from power plants. He also made the announcement that he was planning a competitive fund that would be up to $1 billion that would be used to help people who are affected by environmental natural disasters and to give them a chance to prepare for future impacts.
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