President-elect Barack Obama delivered a pre-recorded message at a California climate change summit hosted by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on November 18, 2008. Obama has been a supporter of taking action to stem greenhouse gases and global warming since his days as U.S. Senator. He supports a "cap-and-trade" system where there would be a maximum limit on the amount of greenhouse gases that could be released overall. The government would then auction off pollution credits. Companies that pollute less could trade credits with companies that pollute more. Obama hopes to help the United States reduce emissions by 80% by 2050.MSNBC: Obama: Warming must be tackled now (November 17, 2008)
Quotes
"Now is the time to confront this challenge once and for all. "Delay is no longer an option. Denial is no longer an acceptable response. The stakes are too high. The consequences, too serious." -- Barack ObamaMSNBC: Obama: Warming must be tackled now (November 17, 2008)
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References
Fast Facts
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Supports working with the international community, a shift from Bush administration policies
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Wants to invest $15 billion per year in green energy technologiesMSNBC: Obama: Warming must be tackled now (November 17, 2008)
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Believes the initiative can create jobs and stimulate the economyNew York Times: Obama Affirms Climate Change Goals (November 18, 2008)
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Kyoto Protocol, the international agreement that regulates greenhouse gases, expires in 2012MSNBC: Obama: Warming must be tackled now (November 17, 2008)
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Next international global warming treaty must be completed by December 2009MSNBC: Obama: Warming must be tackled now (November 17, 2008)
