|
10 Ways Obama Could Fight Climate Change [A] One of the biggest surprises of President Barack Obamas inaugural address,on Monday was how much he focused on fighting climate change, spending more time on that issue than any other. We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations, Obama said. The President pointed out that recent severe weather supplied an urgent impetus for energy innovation and staked the nations economic future on responding to a changing climate. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries--we must claim its promise, Obama said.Thats how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure--our forests and waterways; our croplands and snowcapped peaks. That is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God.so what could the President reasonably do to deliver on that vow? Here are ten of their suggestions: Sunset coal with new incentives and regulations. [B] Provide incentives to phase out the oldest, most polluting power plants, said Robert Jackson, a climate scientist at Duke University. Its already happening, to some degree, as more of the nation transitions to natural gas. Earth scientist Bill Chameides, dean of Dukes Nicholas School of the Environment and a former chief scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund, urges the administration to use its Clean, Air Act authority to promulgate carbon regulations for existing power plants like it has for new ones: Doing that will force fuel switching from coal to natural gas. Invest federal stimulus money in nuclear power. | 
