California may be The Golden State of the US, but it’s one of the greenest ones, too. So green, in fact, that people are beginning to wonder: “Could CA become an independent country?” The answer, though, is as simple as ending climate change.
“California does a lot to improve the state of the environment. In comparison to other states, we have SB 1383, which is a law that ensures all residences and businesses sort their trash. We also have a climate action plan. Many counties around California do this to maintain net zero emissions, or strive towards net zero emissions. So that’s something that’s really beneficial for California” said Local Leaders Club president Udita Saha (‘27).
What CA is Doing
CA was one of the first states to address global warming and implement policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A global leader in climate-forwardness, CA noticeably rises above the majority of the other states, if not other countries.
“We have always been a leader when it comes to environmental legislation and regulation. We have a lot of money in California, because we are such a big economy. And there’s been a lot of grassroots efforts in California that have led to change. First in California, and then eventually through other states as well,” said AP Environmental Science teacher Robyn Fewster,.
The California Department of Natural Resources is currently trying to improve climate change. Their key priorities are to protect biodiversity, build climate resilience, and expand nature based solutions. State laws are also implemented to help with other aspects of being climate-forward, such as with clean energy.
“I know [California’s state laws] have incentives for clean energy, like electric cars [and] reducing car emissions. They’ve got incentives for electrification,” said Fewster.
What People Think
Some argue that CA is doing so well in climate-forwardness that it ought to share and help other states in the US that are not doing as well. CA contributes a lot to the economy of the country as a whole, and it would significantly affect the United States if CA left.
“[California’s stand on climate change is] one of the factors that could probably help with becoming independent, but it would probably be good for California to share that amongst the other states, rather than it just being independent, because it’s a worldwide issue, not just a national issue or state issue,” said Saha.
Additionally, on a geographic and political stand point, California as an independent country would be alone in North America, with the absence of what security the government provides the states with. Not only that, but relations might also weaken.
“If we were independent we would be surrounded on all sides by the US, and wouldn’t have the backing of the US military,” said Claire Kim (‘29).
However, CA does have a potential to sustain itself with its diverse economy and reforms for climate change. According to the Harvard Political Review, CA’s $3.9 trillion economy is the fifth largest economy in the world, higher than Canada. With such a high position in the world, the chance of CA seceding from the United States isn’t so slim after all.
“I think we have our own independent culture, many good schools, and a pretty “independent” economy,” said Claire Kim (‘29).
