Federal elections happen every two years in this country. Presidential elections every four years. And four years just isn't long enough to dismantle all the environmental laws we've got in this country.

In this quote, Jared Diamond addresses the challenges of environmental policy in the context of federal elections in the United States. He points out the frequency of elections, with federal elections happening every two years and presidential elections occurring every four years. Diamond suggests that such short election cycles make it difficult to significantly change or dismantle longstanding environmental laws, which are often the result of years of effort and compromise.

Diamond’s statement reflects his belief that the environmental laws that protect the country’s natural resources are vital and should be preserved. He implies that even though political shifts occur relatively frequently, it takes time—beyond just a few election cycles—to undo the progress made in environmental protections. The quote underscores the importance of maintaining stability in environmental policies, despite the often-changing political landscape.

By emphasizing that four years is too short a time to dismantle these protections, Diamond suggests that strong environmental laws have enduring value and should be safeguarded against short-term political fluctuations. His perspective calls for a more long-term view in addressing environmental issues, rather than focusing on temporary political advantages that could undermine important regulatory frameworks.

Ultimately, Jared Diamond uses this observation to stress the importance of environmental stability in the face of changing political climates. He argues that environmental laws require time, effort, and sustained political will to create and preserve, and that a mere four-year political term isn’t enough to erase the progress made in environmental protection.