President Jimmy Carter has died, but his environmental legacy lives on
President Jimmy Carter has died. The 39th president of the United States died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia, according to The Associated Press.
James Earl Carter Jr. turned 100 years old on Oct. 1. He became the longest-living president when he turned 98 in October 2022. First Lady Rosalynn Carter died last November at the age of 96. The couple had four children, at least a dozen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
As the world reflects on President Jimmy Carter's life and legacy, one aspect stands out: his unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. Beyond his well-known charitable work with Habitat for Humanity, Carter's passion for building a better planet made him a true pioneer during his presidency.
Carter was the first global leader to acknowledge the seriousness of climate change and recognize the sun as a powerful energy source. In a historic move, he installed solar panels on the White House roof, directly harnessing the sun's energy. His dedication to solar power was clear: "Solar energy will not pollute our air or water, and we will not run short of it. No one can ever embargo the sun."
In 1977, President Carter established the Department of Energy, aiming to rethink energy consumption and reduce dependency on foreign oil. He followed up by signing the National Energy Act into law in 1978, a crucial step in the fight against pollution.
Carter's commitment extended beyond energy. In response to the damage caused by hurricanes, he merged separate disaster-related responsibilities into an independent agency called the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA's mission was clear: "When disaster hits, you can count on us."
Even on his last day in office, Carter continued to champion the planet. He signed the Alaska Land Act, which doubled the size of the national park system and established more wildlife land and wilderness areas than any other act in history.
After leaving office, Carter founded the Carter Center with his wife, Rosalynn. This organization advocates for public health and human rights, earning him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Many consider Carter a visionary leader, decades ahead of his time in pushing the country toward renewable energy and climate solutions.
In his own words, Carter said, "If we can work together to harness the light of the sun, the power of the wind, and the strength of rushing streams, then we will succeed."
President Jimmy Carter's environmental legacy remains an inspiration for generations to come. His forward-thinking approach and dedication to a greener future set an example that we can all follow.
