In one of his first addresses as President of the United States, Barack Obama today sent strong signals about his plans to reform energy policy. The major focus was on domestic initiatives, including efficiency standards for cars, homes, and federal buildings, and creation of thousands of jobs in the clean energy sector.
While the speech left out specific references to international commitments, President Obama made the following comment:
“We will make it clear to the world that America is ready to lead. To protect our climate and our collective security, we must call together a truly global coalition. I’ve made it clear that we will act, but so too must the world.”
People all over the world will wait to hear how the United States acts on this, and whether it will truly result in progress at the negotiating table next year in Copenhagen, when countries of the world meet to sign a new global climate deal.