In a poignant tribute delivered during the eulogy for former President Jimmy Carter, his son, former Vice-President Walter Mondale, shed light on Carter’s foresight in confronting the issue of climate change long before it had reached global consciousness. The eulogy, read by Ted Mondale, a former Minnesota state senator, articulated the sacrifices Carter made to forge a path in environmental policy during his presidency, which spanned from 1977 to 1981.
“Carter was far-sighted,” Mondale reflected, alluding to his father’s willingness to prioritise long-term ecological stability over immediate political gain. He continued, “He put aside his short-term political interests to tackle challenges that demanded sacrifice to protect our kids and grandkids from future harm.” This sentiment reverberated throughout the gathering, highlighting Carter’s unique position as a leader willing to advocate for conservation at a time when the term “climate change” was virtually unheard of.
Despite the scepticism surrounding the environmental initiatives of his administration, Mondale recounted that Carter was instrumental in passing laws that aimed to conserve energy, deregulate oil and gas prices, and invest in renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. “It wasn’t a perfect program,” he admitted, yet he noted that Carter’s efforts resulted in a notable decline in US energy consumption, which fell by 10% between 1979 and 1983. “In many ways, he laid the foundation for future presidents to come to grips with climate change,” he asserted.
The eulogy took a pointed turn as Ted Mondale’s gaze shifted toward former Presidents Donald Trump and George W. Bush, both of whom have been critiqued for their administrations’ lack of significant climate action. “Some thought he was crazy to fight so hard to pass these laws, but he was dead right, and we know that now,” stood out as a powerful remark, underscoring the lingering importance of Carter’s environmental advocacy.
As the world grapples with the pressing climate crisis, the remembrance of Jimmy Carter’s vision during a pivotal era highlights the stark contrast in approaches to environmental policy by different administrations. The realities of climate change can no longer be ignored, and Carter’s legacy serves as a reminder of the necessity for visionary leadership and the courage to sacrifice for future generations.