Obama to roll out new climate change measures
President Obama's administration has unfinished business fighting climate change, which the president called "one of the most urgent challenges for our time."
"We know that 2015 surpassed the hottest year on record - and 2016 is on pace to be even hotter," Obama said in his weekly address. "There's still so much more to do.
"And if we keep pushing, and leading the world in the right direction, there's no doubt that, together, we can leave a better, cleaner, safer future for our children."
Obama said he plans on debuting new tools for combating climate change before he leaves office.
"In the weeks and months ahead, we'll release a second round of fuel efficiency standards for heavy-duty vehicles. We'll take steps to meet the goal we set with Canada and Mexico to achieve 50 percent clean power across North America by 2025," Obama said.
"And we'll continue to protect our lands and waters so that our kids and grandkids can enjoy our most beautiful spaces for generations."
Obama added he remains proud of his achievements battling climate change, namely the international Paris agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"We've multiplied wind power threefold. We've multiplied solar power more than thirtyfold," Obama said.
"And carbon pollution from our energy sector is at its lowest level in 25 years, even as we're continuing to grow our economy. We've invested in energy efficiency, and we're slashing carbon emissions from appliances, homes and businesses - saving families money on their energy bills."
Obama's potential successors diverge wildly on the threat climate change poses worldwide.
GOP nominee Donald Trump on Thursday downplayed the influence climate change has on mankind. He has previously called climate change a "hoax" pushed by China.
"I don't believe it's a devastating impact," he told The Miami Herald. "[I'm] not a big believer in manmade climate change."
Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, in contrast, said late last month she wholly believes scientists urging for immediate action.
"I believe climate change is real and that we could save our planet while creating millions of good-paying clean energy jobs," she said at the Democratic convention in July.
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/291296-obama-to-roll-out-new-climate-change-measures |
