Interview with EPA Administrator McCarthy

Gina McCarthy, EPA Administrator, discusses the urgent need to address climate change, highlighting current impacts and the necessity for immediate action. She emphasizes the importance of innovation and international cooperation, particularly in the context of the Paris climate talks. The conversation covers technological advances in energy, such as the rise of renewables and the role of natural gas, while balancing local environmental protection with global climate goals. McCarthy remains optimistic about the potential for significant progress through continued innovation and strong international commitments.

What is one of the main challenges in getting people to care about climate change?

• It is a short-term problem.

• It is easy to solve.

• It has many inflection points.

• It ranks low in public concern.

Why is it crucial to take action on climate change now?

• The impacts are only in the future.

• It only affects polar bears.

• The impacts are already being felt.

• The science is still uncertain.

What is one of the goals of the Paris Agreement?

• To eliminate all emissions by 2025.

• To ignore financial aspects.

• To focus only on developed countries.

• To set aggressive goals for all countries.

What is a challenge for poorer nations in addressing climate change?

• Excessive natural resources.

• Inability to make necessary investments.

• Lack of interest in climate change.

• Over-reliance on renewable energy.

How has the cost of renewable energy changed recently?

• It is now more expensive than coal.

• It has increased significantly.

• It has remained the same.

• It has decreased unexpectedly.

What is a significant factor in the shift away from coal in the power sector?

• Government subsidies for coal.

• Inexpensive natural gas.

• Increased coal prices.

• Lack of coal resources.

What is a key component of the Clean Power Plan?

• Increasing energy costs.

• Reducing emissions by 32% by 2030.

• Focusing only on solar energy.

• Eliminating all fossil fuels.

What is the fastest growing job sector in the United States?

• Nuclear energy.

• Solar energy.

• Natural gas extraction.

• Coal mining.

What is the role of the EPA in addressing carbon pollution?

• To choose energy sources for states.

• To ignore local environmental issues.

• To regulate and reduce pollution.

• To invest in renewable energy.

How does the EPA approach the regulation of natural gas extraction?

• By focusing only on carbon emissions.

• By ignoring methane emissions.

• By banning hydraulic fracturing.

• By regulating pollutants like methane.