Happy start of summer! It began with quite a bang. After much controversy surrounding his role on Trump’s scientific advisory board, Elon Musk finally departs following Trump’s rejection of the Paris Climate Agreement. The CEO of Tesla, arguably one of the most prominent electric car companies on the market today, is a fervent believer in sustainability and the threats of global warming. He wasn’t having any of it–just look at his post on Twitter:
If you haven’t accepted the fact that the science and climate change is real, look at Elon Musk. The man is the pioneer of the 21st Century. In 2016, he decided to join Trump’s Strategic and Policy Forum in the hope that he could have some sway in Trump’s economic policies. He had no incentive to leave because he willingly volunteered to be a part of Trump’s presidential council, despite the tremendous amount of heat directed towards him by the media and the public. Severing ties with Trump could hurt Elon, too. NASA, a government organization, is a major client for SpaceX, a company that Elon leads as well. It is certainly risky turning one’s back on the president, especially with potential government contracts on the line. Nevertheless, he did so anyways because he stood up for what he believed. Global warming was the deal-breaker. Elon said in February:
“Advisory councils simply provide advice and attending does not mean that I agree with actions by the administration. My goals are to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy and to help make humanity a multi-planet civilization. Engaging on critical issues will on balance serve the greater good.”
The idea that Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement was the final straw for Elon Musk speaks volumes. If you don’t already look up to him, just glance at his credentials on his resume below. He is one of the most accomplished individuals on this planet, spearheading industries that have been dormant for decades before he came along. Now, I’m not saying everything he says is righteous and true–he’s made plenty of mistakes–but his wealth of scientific and business experience is a testament to his credibility.
#BeLikeElon
Sources:
Our Reliance on Science 