Recent Greensburg Graduate Voices Concerns Over Environment Policies and Career Uncertainty

Recent executive orders under the Trump administration targeting environmental policies and climate initiatives have raised concerns among students pursuing careers in Forestry and Biology.

Among these orders is “Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements,” which withdraws the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord and the Biden administration’s U.S. International Climate Finance plan. This move, effective immediately, has sparked concern about the nation’s commitment to global environmental efforts. Additionally, “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential” prioritizes the expansion of Alaska’s natural gas reserves for export and rolls back restrictions on drilling, mining, and road-building imposed by the previous administration. These shifts have heightened uncertainty regarding environmental regulations and job opportunities in conservation fields.

For Rylee Wolfe, a recent graduate from Pitt-Greensburg with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, these changes bring both uncertainty and determination. 

“I think the current administration’s stance on environmental and climate policies is unmotivating and, honestly, scary,” Wolfe said. “It makes me question the direction environmental efforts will go. But I’ve always believed that nothing is impossible, and I maintain an optimistic mindset.”

Wolfe highlights the challenges created by policies like the decision to exit the Paris Climate Agreement.

“I saw a video of someone addressing Trump’s decision to drop out of the Paris agreement. She disagreed and pointed out how even private-sector oil and gas companies supported the agreement. That really stuck with me,” Wolfe said. 

Wolfe expressed concern that policies like these may threaten existing jobs and hinder the creation of new ones, particularly in environmental fields. Despite this, she remains confident that the scientific community and advocates will continue to push for progress. 

“It’s important because our lives are literally on the line,” she said.

When asked about funding and research opportunities under the new administration, Wolfe acknowledged she hasn’t personally encountered challenges but has heard about cuts to funding. 

“It surprises me,” she said. “People like Elon Musk pride themselves on innovation and discoveries, so why would funding be reduced? It’s dumb. Research makes the world a better place.” 

Wolfe emphasized the need for collaboration between technological and biological sciences to address these complex issues effectively.

Despite the challenges, Wolfe’s commitment to environmental biology remains unwavering. 

“If you’d asked me when Trump was elected, I’d have said I felt discouraged,” she said. “But now, I feel fired up. I’ve spent too long preparing and studying for this field to give up. These uncertainties actually make me want to push further and learn more.”

Wolfe’s drive for science-based advocacy is rooted in her passion for education and communication.

“I’d want to advocate in a way that helps people truly understand what’s going on,” she said. 

Wolfe believes making these issues relatable is key to motivating change.

“Think about the wildfires in California,” she said. “When the smoke reached Pennsylvania, people finally started paying attention. It’s hard to grasp the gravity of something until it’s right in front of you.”

Her approach focuses on using education as a tool to inspire change.

“Getting the world on the same page about science is tough,” Wolfe said. “But nothing is impossible. I’m keeping that optimistic mindset. Let’s make some changes.”