With the inauguration of President Barack Obama today, and the dawn of a new era in American politics, the hard work begins to save the environment and rebuild the economy.
President Obama has already made a number of pledges in relation to the environment and has spoken passionately about his plans for greening the White House. But, with many other pressing issues to deal with, can he really deliver the goods?
The change we need
Back in November, last year, we reported on Barack Obama’s support for the New Apollo Program. In The change we really do need we highlighted the 5-point program to implement a strategy to bring new jobs and energy security to the US through an alternative energy economy.
“A new energy economy is going to be part of what creates the millions of new jobs that we need” Barack Obama
A new energy economy is at the heart of President Obama’s policy on the environment and economic recovery. Putting it into practice however is likely to prove difficult in the face of vested interests and entenched values. Pulling it off will be nothing short of a miracle!
Cap-and-trade legislation
One of his first steps at home is likely be the adoption of cap-and-trade legislation. This would set the foundation for carbon trading: as in the European Union, the amount of greenhouse gases that industries can lawfully emit would be limited (the “cap”), and companies would have to either buy emission permits or find ways of reducing their emissions. [1]
After slamming the door of the Kyoto Protocol, the Bush administration refused any timetable for obligatory reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. As an alternative, it argued in favour of voluntary commitments and a policy of support for technological innovation. The least that can be said is that this orientation has not produced the effects that were anticipated: between 1993 and 2005, the CO2 emissions of the US energy sector increased by more than 15 per cent. Obama is adopting a radically different approach, promising a law whose objective would be to reduce emissions by 80 per cent in 2050, compared to 1990. [2]
Clean energy
Clean energy projects are the foundation of the $550 billion that Congress and the new administration want to spend to stimulate the economy to put 3 million people back to work. The balance of the proposed $825 billion stimulus is $275 billion in tax cuts. The magnitude of the proposed clean energy investment clearly indicates that President Obama plans to launch his presidency with one of the most transcendent ideas in the history of the republic. He wants to anchor the American economy with energy sources other than those produced from fossil fuels. [3]
Renewables, including hydroelectricity from dams, generate 8% of US electricity now and Obama has said he wants 10% of electricity to come from them by 2012 and 25% by 2025. This still falls short of Europe where the plan is for renewables to generate 20% of all energy, including electricity, by 2020. However, the global financial crisis could undermine many of his plans, some analysts have warned, with many clean technology companies expected to go out of business in the next 18 months. [4]
International responsibilities
European environment groups have welcomed what they hope will be a radical new direction for US environmental policy.
“Obama’s victory will give crucial climate negotiations a much greater chance of success – the United States must face up to its international responsibilities and show positive global leadership in low-carbon economic development” Andy Atkins, Friends of the Earth
With strong leadership from the US it is hoped that the next round of talks on climate change, in Copenhagen later this year, will result in a more positive outcome and agreement.
Whether he can make a difference and deliver the goods remains to be seen but here at Green Pepper we welcome the change and send our warmest good wishes to President Obama and the new adminstration.
Tell us what you think
We’d love to hear your views of President Barack Obama. Can he really make a difference and deliver the goods on climate change and the environment? Read what others have said and join the debate by leaving your comments below.
- Sources:
- How fast can Obama fix US environment policy? New Scientist
- The energy climate plan of Barack Obama International Viewpoint
- Clean Energy Is Foundation of Proposed Stimulus Apollo Alliance
- Obama victory signals rebirth of US environmental policy The Guardian
No recommended reading.
6 comments… read them below or add yours now
I really hope that President Obama WILL make a difference and deliver the goods but it’s not just in his hands, he needs the cooperation of big business and the US people. The question is: can WE make a difference and deliver the goods, by working together to put right the problems with the environment?
There’s a helluva lot riding on it! I remain optimistic. Obama’s a pragmatist, if nothing else.
President Obama has the environment high on his agenda but he’s got an uphill struggle. Basing his plans for recovery on a new energy economy is a smart move. Let’s hope he gets the support he needs.
Twitter: @GlobalPatriot
Without doubt Obama will make a difference and effect changes in the direction of this country and the world with regards to the environment and alternative energy. Just how effective he is will depend on many things. A trillion dollars was already wasted on the war in Iraq, then another trillion on the bailout, and now a third trillion on a stimulus package.
It will not be easy to find the money required to do everything that needs to be done, but I have confidence that he will do as much as humanly possible to create a sustainable world. It’s now our turn to step up to the plate and help him out!
lots of talk about clean energy, but the planet really needs to use *less* energy. Conservation before Generation is the way it works best. I want to hear Obama talk about energy audits, retrofits, awnings, shade trees and occupant behavior before we get all starry-eyed about solar panels, fuel-cells, “clean coal” and ethanol subsidies. Reduce first.
Aaron in Seattle
@Katy: Thanks for sharing your views. I guess you hit the nail on the head – the question IS whether we can make a difference and deliver the goods, collectively.
@Peter Nevis: I’m glad to hear that you “remain optimistic”!
@J Holbrook: Yes, let’s hope he get the support.
@Global Patriot: It is a hugely expensive program but worth every penny to safeguard the future. Now, as you say, it’s our turn to “step up to the plate”. Thanks for sharing your views ;-)
@Aaron: Welcome to Green Pepper and thanks for the comment! I totally agree – reducing our energy consumption is essential (and considerably cheaper!). After that, clean and sustainable energy has a part to play.