Al Gore wants Obama to defend climate change action

Former vice president Al Gore will be hitting President Barack Obama on climate change in an upcoming article in Rolling Stone magazine.

First of all, Gore comes out an recognizes what Obama has done to reverse previous environmentally-destructive policies.  Definitely the president has done quite a lot for green causes even though he has disappointed many on issues like coal and nuclear energy.

In fairness to Obama though, he has always supported "clean" coal along with nuclear energy if the storage problem could be solved.  On these issues though the president seems to have capitulated in terms of specifics.  For example, while there still is no long-term nuclear waste storage plan, the president is supporting loan guarantees for the building of new nuclear power plants.

One of the problems may be the tremendous pressure the president is facing due to the tough economy.  Obama suffered a tough loss in Congress after the 2010 elections with Democrats losing control of the House and losing some important seats in the Senate.

On the subject of climate change, it seems as though the issue has been pushed to the sidelines.  In this sense, Gore is right in that Obama no longer seems to publicly recognize climate change as an urgent issue.  On the other hand though, Republicans have been denying the science altogether.

What can be done to get climate change back on President Obama's agenda with the UN's climate summit coming up in Durban, South Africa in late November?

Green Choice between Democrats and Republicans

One of many areas in which Democrats offer a clear choice in contrast with Republicans is in the promotion of clean energy and green jobs.

The large bulk of Democrats are also clearly committed to fighting climate change. In comparison, all the current Republican congressional candidates have voiced doubts over the existence of climate change influenced by humans. Many of these Republican candidates are outspoken in their opposition to any efforts to battle climate change.

Obama and most Democrats have clearly supported the creation of green jobs -- seen by the vast majority of experts as the economic wave of the future. In comparison, Republicans and some blue dog Democrats have supported big oil, coal and other dirty industries that are not sustainable.

Senate bill proposes 20 percent cut in greenhouse emissions

The Senate looks ready to pass a climate bill with deeper cuts than those proposed in the House version. The new energy and climate legislation will seek a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

Co-sponsors Sen. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) will announce the bill on Wednesday according to congressional sources. The proposal comes after countries like Japan and China,at the G-20 conference, suggested they were willing to make deep cuts of their own .

Reduction of greenhouse emissions is not necessarily a negative for the economy as many suggest. Indeed, so long as an equally vigorous effort is directed at developing cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, the shift can be economically beneficial instead.

One controversial feature of the Senate bill is the inclusion of incentives for new nuclear power plant building. This concession will not likely please a good portion of green energy activists who believe that nuclear power, while not a carbon-emitting technology, is still not "clean" or sustainable.


A lot of wheeling and dealing is expected to occur during the negotiations to reconcile the two versions.

Many environmentalists expressed satisfaction with the Senate proposal ahead of climate hange talks schedule two months from now in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Obama opens policy meetings with China

President Barack Obama started up policy talks with China in Washington today.

The two countries will meet twice a year to discuss mutual cooperation on issues like climate change and the world economy.

China owns about $700 billion of US debt and is seen as an important player in helping bring the world economy out of recession.

Obama has also called on Beijing to do more in helping to combat climate change.

FOXNews

Obama Opens Policy Talks With China

New York Times - Mark Landler - ‎36 minutes ago‎

Chinese officials listened to a speech by President Obama, in which he described ties between the two countries as "important as any bilateral relationship in the world.

Video: US kicks off high-level policy talks with China worldfocusonline

Geithner, Wang say ties key to global recovery AFP

President Barack Obama spoke at the G8 Summit in L'Aquila, Italy today.

He talked about tackling climate change including cutting global emissions in half and limiting global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius. Developed nations agreed to reduce emissions on absolute terms in the short term, while developing nations will take steps to reduce emissions before 2050.

FOXNews

President Obama Delivers Remarks at G8 Summit

Washington Post - ‎5 hours ago‎

PRESIDENT OBAMA: ... the people of Italy have shown us during this stay. We are very grateful to all of you. I also want to thank the 17 other leaders who ...

Video: Obama Explains Climate Deal at G-8 Italy EUX.TV

Obama vows US will lead the way on climate change Los Angeles Times

Analysis: Obama's global reach only goes so far The Associated Press

Obama may compromise on carbon trading

The White House is ready to battle global warming -- a change from the previous administration -- but he may be willing to compromise in some cases.

Some businesses may be able to get emission allowances free bypassing the carbon trading system.

The Obama administration is also looking to fight climate change by cooling air according to science adviser John Holdren.

Known as geoengineering, the idea involves shooting pollution particles into the upper atmosphere to reflect the sun's rays.

Using such an experimental measure is only being thought of as a last resort, Holdren said.

"It's got to be looked at. We don't have the luxury ... of ruling any approach off the table."

Telegraph.co.uk

Obama Is Open to Compromise on Climate Agenda

Wall Street Journal - ‎2 hours ago‎

By IAN TALLEY WASHINGTON -- The White House is open to compromise on certain key elements of its climate-change agenda, including whether businesses could get some emissions allowances free, administration officials said Wednesday.

Obama looking at cooling air to fight warming The Associated Press

Obama to Meet With Economic Team on Stress Tests, Recovery Plan Bloomberg

World hopes Obama brings change on climate change

The United States has been one of the "bad guys" on the world stage when it comes to dealing with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. The country, which produces a good chunk of the word's carbon emissions, failed to sign on to the Kyoto Protocol almost undermining global efforts on tackling climate change.

However, with the administration of President George W. Bush on the way out, there is new hope that President-elect Barack Obama will bring a new direction in U.S. environmental policy.

Obama's new "green team" headed by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Steven Chu as secretary of energy and Carol M. Browner in the newly-created position of White House coordinator of energy and climate policy are more in line with Al Gore-like thinking. Same goes for Lisa P. Jackson, the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency.

The president-elect supports cutting emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, and favors an international cap-and-trade system.

Telegraph.co.uk

Next Climate Summit May Turn on Rich Nations' Approach to Poor Ones Washington Post, United States - 10 hours ago David Waskow, climate change program director for Oxfam America, said delegates hoping to finalize an agreement next December in Copenhagen recognize that ... Disdain for Bush, hope for Obama on climate change AFP

ABC News

Gore Talks Climate Change With Obama and Biden Washington Post, United States - Dec 10, 2008 President-elect Barack Obama met with former vice president Al Gore in Chicago on Tuesday to discuss climate change, declaring after the meeting, ... Gore has Obama's ear on climate change San Francisco Chronicle Obama says climate change a matter of national security Reuters

WELT ONLINE

Title, but Unclear Power, for a New Climate Czar New York Times, United States - Dec 12, 2008 Long an acolyte of Al Gore, she has called climate change “the greatest challenge ever faced” and echoed Mr. Obama’s call for a cap-and-trade system to ... Obama’s Environment Team Takes Shape Living on the Earth

Washington Post

• Concern for Climate Change Defines Energy Dept. Nominee Washington Post, United States - Dec 11, 2008 By Steven Mufson The man tapped to be the next secretary of energy, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Steven Chu, recently compared the danger of climate change ... Editorial: Chu Will Change Direction istockAnalyst.com (press release) Obama's Carbon Busters Wall Street Journal

Obama gives hope at Poznan climate change conference

Nice to hear that Barack Obama is causing a buzz at the Poznan conference on global climate change. Delegates from 190 countries are meeting in Poznan, Poland to discuss measures to combat climate change, which is at the midpoint of two-year talks to replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

The United States refused to sign on at Kyoto, and many nations of the world believe there is now hope for a breakthrough with the country when Obama takes over in January of next year.

Obama is including major restructuring toward clean, renewable forms of energy as part of his economic recovery plan that could involve hundreds of billions of dollars.

The Age
Poznań Climate Change Conference Begins Dec. 1
Earth911.com, Arizona - 4 hours ago
In Poznań, new legistlation to replace the Protocol once it expires in 2012 will begin to be determined. Working with startup technology companies, ...
Five things to watch in Poznan It's Getting Hot In Here
The Poznan talks Globe and Mail
Poznan Brings the Battle Against Climate Change to the Next StageVoxy



The Age
Global warming summit will need the Obama touch
Kansas City Star, MO - 8 hours ago
By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist Barack Obama says he'll lead a nation that will fight global warming. ...

Barack Obama Plans Overseas Trip to Middle East and Europe

Sen. Barack Obama will travel overseas at an undisclosed date to meet with leader in countries of Europe and the Middle East. He will visit France, Germany, Israel, Jordan and the United Kingdom to discuss subjects like security and climate change.

This trip will be an important opportunity for me to assess the situation in countries that are critical to American national security, and to consult with some of our closest friends and allies about the common challenges we face.

Israel is a strong and close friend of the United States, and is confronting grave threats from Gaza to Tehran. Jordan has been a close partner in the peace process and a host of other issues of common concern. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are key anchors of the transatlantic alliance and have contributed to the mission in Afghanistan, and I look forward to discussing how we can strengthen our partnership in the years to come. This will be an important opportunity to have an exchange of views with leaders in these countries about these and other issues that are critical to American national security -- and global security -- in the 21st century.

John McCain has focused on security and foreign policy issues in his campaign, and he has challenged Obama in this area. A CNN poll has shown that voters favor McCain on foreign policy, one of the few issue categories where he leads the Illinois senator.

Video: Al Gore Endorses Barack Obama at Joe Louis Arena

Here's the video of former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Al Gore endorsing Sen. Barack Obama.



An excerpt from Al Gore's endorsement:

Many people have waited for some sign that our country is awakening once again. How will we know when a massive wave of reform and recovery and regeneration is about to take hold and renew our nation? What would it look like if such a change were beginning to build? I think we might recognize it as a sign of such change if we saw millions of young people getting involved for the first time in the political process. I think we might just recognize it if we saw that new generation casting aside obsolete and hurtful distinctions and reaching out to one another across the ancient divisions that have frustrated action in the past. I think we would know this change was coming if a new generation rejected the special interest politics of the past and the big money that fueled it, and instead used the internet to get small donations and unite Americans in a common effort to realize our common destiny.

Plan for a Clean Energy Future

“Well, I don't believe that climate change is just an issue that's convenient to bring up during a campaign. I believe it's one of the greatest moral challenges of our generation. That's why I've fought successfully in the Senate to increase our investment in renewable fuels. That's why I reached across the aisle to come up with a plan to raise our fuel standards… And I didn't just give a speech about it in front of some environmental audience in California. I went to Detroit, I stood in front of a group of automakers, and I told them that when I am president, there will be no more excuses — we will help them retool their factories, but they will have to make cars that use less oil.”

— Barack Obama, Speech in Des Moines, IA, October 14, 2007

Obama on the Environment

Check out Barack's plan on energy and the environment from barackobama.com .

Plan for a Clean Energy Future

“Well, I don't believe that climate change is just an issue that's convenient to bring up during a campaign. I believe it's one of the greatest moral challenges of our generation. That's why I've fought successfully in the Senate to increase our investment in renewable fuels. That's why I reached across the aisle to come up with a plan to raise our fuel standards… And I didn't just give a speech about it in front of some environmental audience in California. I went to Detroit, I stood in front of a group of automakers, and I told them that when I am president, there will be no more excuses — we will help them retool their factories, but they will have to make cars that use less oil.”

— Barack Obama, Speech in Des Moines, IA, October 14, 2007

At a Glance

• Reduce Carbon Emissions 80 Percent by 2050
• Invest in a Clean Energy Future
• Support Next Generation Biofuels
• Set America on Path to Oil Independence
• Improve Energy Efficiency 50 Percent by 2030
• Restore U.S. Leadership on Climate Change

Speak your mind and help set the policies that will guide this campaign and change the country.

• Present your ideas

The Problem

Foreign Oil: America's 20-million-barrel-a-day oil habit costs our economy $1.4 billion a day, and $500 billion in 2006 alone. Every single hour, we spend $41 million on foreign oil.

Climate Change: As a result of climate change, glaciers are melting faster; the polar ice caps are shrinking; trees are blooming earlier; more people are dying in heat waves; species are migrating, and eventually many will become extinct.

Barack Obama's Plan

Reduce Carbon Emissions 80 Percent by 2050

• Cap and Trade: Obama supports implementation of a market-based cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions by the amount scientists say is necessary: 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Obama's cap-and-trade system will require all pollution credits to be auctioned. A 100 percent auction ensures that all polluters pay for every ton of emissions they release, rather than giving these emission rights away to coal and oil companies. Some of the revenue generated by auctioning allowances will be used to support the development of clean energy, to invest in energy efficiency improvements, and to address transition costs, including helping American workers affected by this economic transition.
• Confront Deforestation and Promote Carbon Sequestration: Obama will develop domestic incentives that reward forest owners, farmers, and ranchers when they plant trees, restore grasslands, or undertake farming practices that capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Invest in a Clean Energy Future

• Invest $150 Billion over 10 Years in Clean Energy: Obama will invest $150 billion over 10 years to advance the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial-scale renewable energy, invest in low-emissions coal plants, and begin the transition to a new digital electricity grid. A principal focus of this fund will be devoted to ensuring that technologies that are developed in the U.S. are rapidly commercialized in the U.S. and deployed around the globe.
• Double Energy Research and Development Funding: Obama will double science and research funding for clean energy projects including those that make use of our biomass, solar and wind resources.
• Invest in a Skilled Clean Technologies Workforce: Obama will use proceeds from the cap-and-trade auction program to invest in job training and transition programs to help workers and industries adapt to clean technology development and production. Obama will also create an energy-focused Green Jobs Corps to connect disconnected and disadvantaged youth with job skills for a high-growth industry.
• Convert our Manufacturing Centers into Clean Technology Leaders: Obama will establish a federal investment program to help manufacturing centers modernize and Americans learn the new skills they need to produce green products.
• Clean Technologies Deployment Venture Capital Fund: Obama will create a Clean Technologies Venture Capital Fund to fill a critical gap in U.S. technology development. Obama will invest $10 billion per year into this fund for five years. The fund will partner with existing investment funds and our National Laboratories to ensure that promising technologies move beyond the lab and are commercialized in the U.S
• Require 25 Percent of Renewable Electricity by 2025: Obama will establish a 25 percent federal Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to require that 25 percent of electricity consumed in the U.S. is derived from clean, sustainable energy sources, like solar, wind and geothermal by 2025.
• Develop and Deploy Clean Coal Technology: Obama will significantly increase the resources devoted to the commercialization and deployment of low-carbon coal technologies. Obama will consider whatever policy tools are necessary, including standards that ban new traditional coal facilities, to ensure that we move quickly to commercialize and deploy low carbon coal technology.

Support Next Generation Biofuels

• Deploy Cellulosic Ethanol: Obama will invest federal resources, including tax incentives, cash prizes and government contracts into developing the most promising technologies with the goal of getting the first two billion gallons of cellulosic ethanol into the system by 2013.
• Expand Locally-Owned Biofuel Refineries: Less than 10 percent of new ethanol production today is from farmer-owned refineries. New ethanol refineries help jumpstart rural economies. Obama will create a number of incentives for local communities to invest in their biofuels refineries.
• Establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard: Barack Obama will establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard to speed the introduction of low-carbon non-petroleum fuels. The standard requires fuels suppliers to reduce the carbon their fuel emits by ten percent by 2020.
• Increase Renewable Fuel Standard: Obama will require 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels to be included in the fuel supply by 2022 and will increase that to at least 60 billion gallons of advanced biofuels like cellulosic ethanol by 2030.

Set America on Path to Oil Independence

Obama's plan will reduce oil consumption by at least 35 percent, or 10 million barrels per day, by 2030. This will more than offset the equivalent of the oil we would import from OPEC nations in 2030.

• Increase Fuel Economy Standards: Obama will double fuel economy standards within 18 years. His plan will provide retooling tax credits and loan guarantees for domestic auto plants and parts manufacturers, so that they can build new fuel-efficient cars rather than overseas companies. Obama will also invest in advanced vehicle technology such as advanced lightweight materials and new engines.

Improve Energy Efficiency 50 Percent by 2030

• Set National Building Efficiency Goals: Barack Obama will establish a goal of making all new buildings carbon neutral, or produce zero emissions, by 2030. He'll also establish a national goal of improving new building efficiency by 50 percent and existing building efficiency by 25 percent over the next decade to help us meet the 2030 goal.
• Establish a Grant Program for Early Adopters: Obama will create a competitive grant program to award those states and localities that take the first steps to implement new building codes that prioritize energy efficiency.
• Invest in a Digital Smart Grid: Obama will pursue a major investment in our utility grid to enable a tremendous increase in renewable generation and accommodate modern energy requirements, such as reliability, smart metering, and distributed storage

Restore U.S. Leadership on Climate Change

• Create New Forum of Largest Greenhouse Gas Emitters: Obama will create a Global Energy Forum — that includes all G-8 members plus Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa –the largest energy consuming nations from both the developed and developing world. The forum would focus exclusively on global energy and environmental issues.
• Re-Engage with the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change: The UNFCCC process is the main international forum dedicated to addressing the climate problem and an Obama administration will work constructively within it.

Barack Obama's Record

• Renewable Fuels: Obama has worked on numerous efforts in the Senate to increase access to and use of renewable fuels. Obama passed legislation with Senator Jim Talent (R-MO) to give gas stations a tax credit for installing E85 ethanol refueling pumps. The tax credit covers 30 percent of the costs of switching one or more traditional petroleum pumps to E85, which is an 85 percent ethanol/15 percent gasoline blend. Obama also sponsored an amendment that became law providing $40 million for commercialization of a combined flexible fuel vehicle/hybrid car within five years.
• CAFE: Obama introduced a bold new plan that brought Republicans and Democrats, CAFE supporters and long-time opponents together in support of legislation that will gradually increase fuel economy standards and offer what the New York Times editorial page called "real as opposed to hypothetical results."

For More Information about Barack's Plan

Read the Energy Plan
Read the Speech