Changes

{{climate change}}[[File:ObamaCopenhagen.jpg|right|thumb|Official White House photo]]U.S. President-elect [[Barack Obama]] stated during the 2008 Presidential election campaign that "global warming is real, is happening now and is the result of human activities. The number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes has almost doubled in the last 30 years. Glaciers are melting faster; the polar ice caps are shrinking; trees are blooming earlier; oceans are becoming more acidic, threatening marine life; people are dying in heat waves; species are migrating, and eventually many will become extinct. Scientists predict that absent major emission reductions, climate change will worsen famine and drought in some of the poorest places in the world and wreak havoc across the globe. In the U.S., sea-level rise threatens to cause massive economic and ecological damage to our populated coastal areas."<ref>[http://obama.3cdn.net/4465b108758abf7a42_a3jmvyfa5.pdf "Barack Obama's Plan to Make America A Global Energy Leader"], Obama)*, accessed November 2008.</ref> Subsequent to his election, Obama has made addressing climate change a common theme of some of his major speeches.

"That we are In his first address following his inauguration in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakenedJanuary 2009, Obama made a consequence brief mention of greed and irresponsibility on the part threat of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many -- and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet ..global warming.He said:

:"That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many -- and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet ... :"For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of our economy calls for action, bold and swift. And we will act, not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We'll restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do."<ref>Barack Obama, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President_Barack_Obamas_Inaugural_Address/ "President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address"], January 21st, 2009.</ref>

"We know the country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century. And yetThe following month, it is China that has launched the largest effort in history an address to make their economy energy efficient. We invented solar technology, but we’ve fallen behind countries like Germany and Japan in producing it. New plug-in hybrids roll off our assembly lines, but they will run on batteries made in Korea. Well I do not accept a future where the jobs and industries Joint Session of tomorrow take root beyond our borders – and I know you don’t eitherCongress, he once more briefly mentioned transforming U. It is time for America to lead again. Thanks to our recovery plan, we will double this nation’s supply of renewable energy in the next three yearsS. We have also made the largest investment in basic research funding in American history – an investment that will spur not only new discoveries in energy, but breakthroughs in medicine, science, and technology. We will soon lay down thousands of miles of power lines that can carry new energy to cities and towns across this country. And we will put Americans to work making our homes and buildings more efficient so that we can save billions as a way of dollars on our energy billsaddressing global warming."He said:

:"We know the country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century. And yet, it is China that has launched the largest effort in history to make their economy energy efficient. We invented solar technology, but we’ve fallen behind countries like Germany and Japan in producing it. New plug-in hybrids roll off our assembly lines, but they will run on batteries made in Korea. Well I do not accept a future where the jobs and industries of tomorrow take root beyond our borders – and I know you don’t either. It is time for America to lead again. Thanks to our recovery plan, we will double this nation’s supply of renewable energy in the next three years. We have also made the largest investment in basic research funding in American history – an investment that will spur not only new discoveries in energy, but breakthroughs in medicine, science, and technology. We will soon lay down thousands of miles of power lines that can carry new energy to cities and towns across this country. And we will put Americans to work making our homes and buildings more efficient so that we can save billions of dollars on our energy bills." :"But to truly transform our economy, protect our security, and save our planet from the ravages of climate change, we need to ultimately make clean, renewable energy the profitable kind of energy. So I ask this Congress to send me legislation that places a market-based cap on carbon pollution and drives the production of more renewable energy in America. And to support that innovation, we will invest fifteen billion dollars a year to develop technologies like wind power and solar power; advanced biofuels, clean coal, and more fuel-efficient cars and trucks built right here in America."<ref>Barack Obama, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-of-President-Barack-Obama-Address-to-Joint-Session-of-Congress/ "Remarks of President Barack Obama -- Address to Joint Session of Congress"], February 24th, 2009.</ref>

* :"I don't think I have to emphasize that climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time. The science is clear and conclusive, and the impacts can no longer be ignored. Ice sheets are melting. Sea levels are rising. Our oceans are becoming more acidic. And we've already seen its effects on weather patterns, our food and water sources, our health and our habitats. Every nation on this planet is at risk, and just as no one nation is responsible for climate change, no one nation can address it alone";<ref name="L'Aquila">Barack Obama, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/REMARKS-BY-PRESIDENT-OBAMA-ON-MAJOR-ECONOMIES-FORUM-DECLARATION/ "Remarks by The President On Major Economies Forum Declaration"], Office of the Press Secretary, July 9, 2009.</ref>

* :"We also agree that developed countries -- like my own -- have a historic responsibility to take the lead. We have the much larger carbon footprint per capita, and I know that in the past, the United States has sometimes fallen short of meeting our responsibilities. So, let me be clear: Those days are over. One of my highest priorities as President is to drive a clean energy transformation of our economy, and over the past six months, the United States has taken steps towards this goal"; <ref name="L'Aquila"/>

* :"We've made a good start. But I am the first one to acknowledge that progress on this issue will not be easy. And I think that one of the things we're going to have to do is fight the temptation towards cynicism, to feel that the problem is so immense that somehow we cannot make significant strides."<ref name="L'Aquila"/>

* :"It's even more difficult in the context of a global recession, which I think adds to the fears that somehow addressing this issue will contradict the possibilities of robust global economic growth. But ultimately, we have a choice. We can either shape our future, or we can let events shape it for us. We can fall back on the stale debates and old divisions, or we can decide to move forward and meet this challenge together. I think it's clear from our progress today which path is preferable and which path we have chosen. We know that the problems we face are made by human beings. That means it's within our capacity to solve them. The question is whether we will have the will to do so, whether we'll summon the courage and exercise the leadership to chart a new course. That's the responsibility of our generation, that must be our legacy for generations to come, and I am looking forward to being a strong partner in this effort."<ref name="L'Aquila"/>

"That so many of us are here today is a recognition that At the threat from United Nations climate change is serioussummit in Sepetember 2009, it is urgent, and it is growing. Our generation's response to this challenge will be judged by history, for if we fail to meet it -- boldly, swiftly, and together -- we risk consigning future generations to an irreversible catastrophe."Obama stated:

:"No nation, however large or small, wealthy or poor, can escape That so many of us are here today is a recognition that the impact of threat from climate change. Rising sea levels threaten every coastline. More powerful storms is serious, it is urgent, and floods threaten every continentit is growing. More frequent droughts and crop failures breed hunger and conflict in places where hunger and conflict already thrive. On shrinking islandsOur generation's response to this challenge will be judged by history, families are already being forced for if we fail to flee their homes as climate refugees. The security and stability of each nation and all peoples meet it -- our prosperityboldly, our healthswiftly, and our safety together -- are in jeopardy. And the time we have risk consigning future generations to reverse this tide is running outan irreversible catastrophe."

:"... It is true that for too many yearsNo nation, however large or small, mankind has been slow to respond wealthy or even recognize poor, can escape the magnitude impact of the climate threatchange. It is true of my own country, as well Rising sea levels threaten every coastline. We recognize thatMore powerful storms and floods threaten every continent. But this is a new dayMore frequent droughts and crop failures breed hunger and conflict in places where hunger and conflict already thrive. On shrinking islands, families are already being forced to flee their homes as climate refugees. It is a new eraThe security and stability of each nation and all peoples -- our prosperity, our health, and our safety -- are in jeopardy. And I am proud to say that the United States has done more time we have to promote clean energy and reduce carbon pollution in the last eight months than at any other time in our historyreverse this tide is running out."

:"We are making our government's largest ever investment in renewable energy -- an investment aimed at doubling the generating capacity from wind and other renewable resources in three ... It is true that for too many years. Across America, entrepreneurs are constructing wind turbines and solar panels and batteries for hybrid cars with mankind has been slow to respond or even recognize the magnitude of the help climate threat. It is true of loan guarantees and tax credits -- projects my own country, as well. We recognize that are creating . But this is a new jobs and day. It is a new industriesera. We're investing billions And I am proud to say that the United States has done more to cut promote clean energy waste in our homes, our buildings, and appliances -- helping American families save money on energy bills reduce carbon pollution in the processlast eight months than at any other time in our history."

:"Weare making our government've proposed the very first national policy s largest ever investment in renewable energy -- an investment aimed at both increasing fuel economy doubling the generating capacity from wind and reducing greenhouse gas pollution other renewable resources in three years. Across America, entrepreneurs are constructing wind turbines and solar panels and batteries for all new hybrid cars with the help of loan guarantees and trucks tax credits -- a standard projects that will also save consumers money are creating new jobs and our nation oil. We're moving forward with our nation's first offshore wind energy projectsnew industries. We're investing billions to capture carbon pollution so that we can clean up cut energy waste in our coal plants. And just this weekhomes, we announced that for the first time everour buildings, we'll begin tracking how much greenhouse gas pollution is being emitted throughout and appliances -- helping American families save money on energy bills in the countryprocess."

:"... As we head towards Copenhagen, there should be no illusions We've proposed the very first national policy aimed at both increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks -- a standard that the hardest part of will also save consumers money and our journey is in front of usnation oil. We seek sweeping but necessary change in the midst of a global recession, where every 're moving forward with our nation's most immediate priority is reviving their economy and putting their people back first offshore wind energy projects. We're investing billions to workcapture carbon pollution so that we can clean up our coal plants. And so all of us will face doubts and difficulties in our own capitals as just this week, we announced that for the first time ever, we try to reach a lasting solution to 'll begin tracking how much greenhouse gas pollution is being emitted throughout the climate challengecountry."

:"But I'm here today to say ... As we head towards Copenhagen, there should be no illusions that difficulty the hardest part of our journey is no excuse for complacencyin front of us. Unease We seek sweeping but necessary change in the midst of a global recession, where every nation's most immediate priority is no excuse for inactionreviving their economy and putting their people back to work. And we must not allow the perfect to become the enemy of progress. Each so all of us must do what we can when we can to grow will face doubts and difficulties in our economies without endangering our planet -- and own capitals as we must all do it together. We must seize the opportunity try to make Copenhagen reach a significant step forward in lasting solution to the global fight against climate changechallenge."

:"We also cannot But I'm here today to say that difficulty is no excuse for complacency. Unease is no excuse for inaction. And we must not allow the old divisions that have characterized perfect to become the climate debate for so many years to block our enemy of progress. Yes, the developed nations that caused much Each of the damage us must do what we can when we can to grow our economies without endangering our climate over the last century still have a responsibility to lead planet -- and that includes the United Stateswe must all do it together. And we will continue We must seize the opportunity to do so -- by investing make Copenhagen a significant step forward in renewable energy and promoting greater efficiency and slashing our emissions to reach the targets we set for 2020 and our long-term goal for 2050global fight against climate change. "

:"But those rapidly growing developing nations We also cannot allow the old divisions that will produce nearly all have characterized the growth in global carbon emissions in the decades ahead must do their part, as wellclimate debate for so many years to block our progress. Some Yes, the developed nations that caused much of these nations the damage to our climate over the last century still have already made great strides with a responsibility to lead -- and that includes the development and deployment of clean energyUnited States. Still, they need And we will continue to commit to strong measures at home do so -- by investing in renewable energy and promoting greater efficiency and agree slashing our emissions to stand behind those commitments just as reach the developed nations must stand behind their own. We cannot meet this challenge unless all the largest emitters of greenhouse gas pollution act together. There's no other waytargets we set for 2020 and our long-term goal for 2050."

:"We must also energize our efforts to put other But those rapidly growing developing nations -- especially that will produce nearly all the poorest and most vulnerable -- on a path to sustained growth. These nations do not have in global carbon emissions in the same resources to combat climate change as countries like the United States or China decades ahead must dotheir part, but they have the most immediate stake in a solutionas well. For Some of these are the nations that are have already living made great strides with the unfolding effects development and deployment of a warming planet -- famine, drought, disappearing coastal villagesclean energy. Still, they need to commit to strong measures at home and agree to stand behind those commitments just as the conflicts that arise from scarce resourcesdeveloped nations must stand behind their own. Their future is no longer a choice between a growing economy and a cleaner planet, because their survival depends on bothWe cannot meet this challenge unless all the largest emitters of greenhouse gas pollution act together. It will do little good to alleviate poverty if you can There's no longer harvest your crops or find drinkable waterother way."

:"And that is why we have We must also energize our efforts to put other developing nations -- especially the poorest and most vulnerable -- on a responsibility path to provide sustained growth. These nations do not have the financial and technical assistance needed same resources to help combat climate change as countries like the United States or China do, but they have the most immediate stake in a solution. For these are the nations adapt to that are already living with the impacts unfolding effects of climate change a warming planet -- famine, drought, disappearing coastal villages, and the conflicts that arise from scarce resources. Their future is no longer a choice between a growing economy and pursue low-carbon developmenta cleaner planet, because their survival depends on both. It will do little good to alleviate poverty if you can no longer harvest your crops or find drinkable water."

:"What And that is why we are seeking, after all, is not simply an agreement have a responsibility to provide the financial and technical assistance needed to limit greenhouse gas emissions. We seek an agreement that will allow all help these nations adapt to grow and raise living standards without endangering the planet. By developing and disseminating clean technology impacts of climate change and sharing our knowpursue low-how, we can help developing nations leap-frog dirty energy technologies and reduce dangerous emissionscarbon development."

:"Mr. Secretary, as What we meet here todayare seeking, the good news is that after too many years of inaction and denialall, there's finally widespread recognition of the urgency of the challenge before us. We know what needs is not simply an agreement to be donelimit greenhouse gas emissions. We know seek an agreement that our will allow all nations to grow and raise living standards without endangering the planet's future depends on a global commitment to permanently reduce greenhouse gas pollution. We By developing and disseminating clean technology and sharing our know that if we put the right rules and incentives in place-how, we will unleash the creative power of our best scientists can help developing nations leap-frog dirty energy technologies and engineers and entrepreneurs to build a better world. And so many nations have already taken the first step on the journey towards that goalreduce dangerous emissions."

:"Mr. Secretary, as we meet here today, the good news is that after too many years of inaction and denial, there's finally widespread recognition of the urgency of the challenge before us. We know what needs to be done. We know that our planet's future depends on a global commitment to permanently reduce greenhouse gas pollution. We know that if we put the right rules and incentives in place, we will unleash the creative power of our best scientists and engineers and entrepreneurs to build a better world. And so many nations have already taken the first step on the journey towards that goal." :"But the journey is long and the journey is hard. And we don't have much time left to make that journey. It's a journey that will require each of us to persevere through setbacks, and fight for every inch of progress, even when it comes in fits and starts. So let us begin. For if we are flexible and pragmatic, if we can resolve to work tirelessly in common effort, then we will achieve our common purpose: a world that is safer, cleaner, and healthier than the one we found; and a future that is worthy of our children."<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-UN-Secretary-General-Ban-Ki-moons-Climate-Change-Summit/ ""Remarks by the President At the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon's Climate Change Summit"], White House, September 22, 2009.</ref>

On the same day, he addressed the [[Clinton Global Initiative]] and stated: :"We're making historic investments in clean energy and working toward deep cuts in emissions. But we still need business to unleash new innovations and nonprofits to keep up the pressure to end the threat of climate change."<ref>Barack Obama, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-the-Clinton-global-initiative/ "Remarks by the President To the Clinton Global Initiative"], White House, September 22, 2009.</ref>

"To confront climate change, we have invested $80 billion in clean energy. We have substantially increased our fuel-efficiency standards. We have provided new incentives for conservation, launched an energy partnership across The following day Obama addressed the AmericasUnited Nations General Assembly, and moved from a bystander to a leader in international where he briefly mentioned climate negotiationschange."He stated:

:"... The danger posed by To confront climate change cannot be denied, we have invested $80 billion in clean energy. Our responsibility to meet it must not be deferred. If we continue down We have substantially increased our current course, every member of this Assembly will see irreversible changes within their bordersfuel-efficiency standards. Our efforts to end conflicts will be eclipsed by wars over refugees and resources. Development will be devastated by drought and famine. Land that human beings We have lived on provided new incentives for millennia will disappear. Future generations will look back conservation, launched an energy partnership across the Americas, and wonder why we refused moved from a bystander to act; why we failed to pass on -- why we failed to pass on an environment that was worthy of our inheritancea leader in international climate negotiations."

:"And that is why the days when America dragged its feet on this issue are over... The danger posed by climate change cannot be denied. We will move forward with investments Our responsibility to transform meet it must not be deferred. If we continue down our energy economycurrent course, while providing incentives to make clean energy the profitable kind every member of energythis Assembly will see irreversible changes within their borders. We Our efforts to end conflicts will press ahead with deep cuts in emissions to reach the goals that we set for 2020, be eclipsed by wars over refugees and eventually 2050resources. We Development will continue to promote renewable energy be devastated by drought and efficiency, and share new technologies with countries around the worldfamine. Land that human beings have lived on for millennia will disappear. And Future generations will look back and wonder why we refused to act; why we will seize every opportunity for progress failed to pass on -- why we failed to address this threat in a cooperative effort with the entire worldpass on an environment that was worthy of our inheritance."

:"And those wealthy nations that did so much damage is why the days when America dragged its feet on this issue are over. We will move forward with investments to the environment in the 20th century must accept transform our obligation energy economy, while providing incentives to leadmake clean energy the profitable kind of energy. But responsibility does not end there. While We will press ahead with deep cuts in emissions to reach the goals that we must acknowledge the need set for differentiated responses2020, any effort and eventually 2050. We will continue to curb carbon emissions must include promote renewable energy and efficiency, and share new technologies with countries around the fast-growing carbon emitters who can do more to reduce their air pollution without inhibiting growthworld. And any we will seize every opportunity for progress to address this threat in a cooperative effort that fails to help the poorest nations both adapt to with the problems that climate change have already wrought and help them travel a path of clean development simply will not workentire world."

:"And those wealthy nations that did so much damage to the environment in the 20th century must accept our obligation to lead. But responsibility does not end there. While we must acknowledge the need for differentiated responses, any effort to curb carbon emissions must include the fast-growing carbon emitters who can do more to reduce their air pollution without inhibiting growth. And any effort that fails to help the poorest nations both adapt to the problems that climate change have already wrought and help them travel a path of clean development simply will not work." :"It's hard to change something as fundamental as how we use energy. I know that. It's even harder to do so in the midst of a global recession. Certainly, it will be tempting to sit back and wait for others to move first. But we cannot make this journey unless we all move forward together. As we head into Copenhagen, let us resolve to focus on what each of us can do for the sake of our common future."<ref>Barack Obama, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-to-the-United-Nations-General-Assembly/ "Remarks by the President To the United Nations General Assembly"], New York, New York, September 23, 2009.</ref>

At the conclusion of the [[G20]] meeting in Pittsburgh in September 2009, Obama hailed the agreement by participants to phase out subsidies for fossil fuels. He stated: :"We agreed to phase out subsidies for fossil fuels so that we can transition to a 21st century energy economy -- an historic effort that would ultimately phase out nearly $300 billion in global subsidies. This reform will increase our energy security. It will help transform our economy, so that we're creating the clean energy jobs of the future. And it will help us combat the threat posed by climate change. As I said earlier this week in New York, all nations have a responsibility to meet this challenge, and together, we have taken a substantial step forward in meeting that responsibility," Obama said.<ref>Barack Obama, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-G20-Closing-Press-Conference/ "Remarks by President Obama at G20 Closing Press Conference"], Pittsburgh Convention Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 25, 2009.</ref>

In November 2009 Obama traveled to China in part to discuss climate change with the Chinese leadership. In a joint press briefing following his meeting with President Hu, Obama stated: :"President Hu and I also made progress on the issue of climate change. As the two largest consumers and producers of energy, there can be no solution to this challenge without the efforts of both China and the United States. That's why we've agreed to a series of important new initiatives in this area. As President Hu indicated, we are creating a joint clean energy research center, and have achieved agreements on energy efficiency, renewable energy, cleaner uses of coal, electric vehicles, and shale gas," Obama stated.<ref name="China">[http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/joint-press-statement-president-obama-and-president-hu-china "Joint Press Statement by President Obama and President Hu of China Great Hall, Beijing, China"], The White House Office of the Press Secretary, November 17, 2009.</ref>

:"We also agreed to work toward a successful outcome in Copenhagen. Our aim there, in support of what Prime Minister Rasmussen of Denmark is trying to achieve, is not a partial accord or a political declaration, but rather an accord that covers all of the issues in the negotiations, and one that has immediate operational effect. This kind of comprehensive agreement would be an important step forward in the effort to rally the world around a solution to our climate challenge. And we agreed that each of us would take significant mitigation actions and stand behind these commitments," he said.<ref name="China"/>

A joint US-China statement expressed a commitment to achieve an agreement at the Copenhagen meeting. "Regarding the upcoming Copenhagen Conference, both sides agree on the importance of actively furthering the full, effective and sustained implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in accordance with the Bali Action Plan. The United States and China, consistent with their national circumstances, resolve to take significant mitigation actions and recognize the important role that their countries play in promoting a sustainable outcome that will strengthen the world’s ability to combat climate change. The two sides resolve to stand behind these commitments," it said.<ref name="China">[httpIt stated://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/us-china-joint-statement "U.S.-China Joint Statement Beijing, China"], The White House Office of the Press Secretary, November 17, 2009.</ref>

:"In this context Regarding the upcoming Copenhagen Conference, both sides believe that, while striving for final legal agreement, an agreed outcome at Copenhagen should, based agree on the principle importance of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilitiesactively furthering the full, include emission reduction targets of developed countries effective and nationally appropriate mitigation actions sustained implementation of developing countriesthe United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in accordance with the Bali Action Plan. The outcome should also substantially scale up financial assistance to developing countriesUnited States and China, promote technology developmentconsistent with their national circumstances, dissemination resolve to take significant mitigation actions and transfer, pay particular attention to recognize the needs of important role that their countries play in promoting a sustainable outcome that will strengthen the poorest and most vulnerable to adapt world’s ability to combat climate change, promote steps to preserve and enhance forests, and provide for full transparency with respect to the implementation of mitigation measures and provision of financial, technology and capacity building support. The two sides are committed resolve to working together and with other countries in the weeks ahead for a successful outcome at Copenhagenstand behind these commitments," it said."<ref name="China">[http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/us-china-joint-statement "U.S.-China Joint Statement Beijing, China"], The White House Office of the Press Secretary, November 17, 2009.</ref>

:"In this context both sides believe that, while striving for final legal agreement, an agreed outcome at Copenhagen should, based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, include emission reduction targets of developed countries and nationally appropriate mitigation actions of developing countries. The outcome should also substantially scale up financial assistance to developing countries, promote technology development, dissemination and transfer, pay particular attention to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable to adapt to climate change, promote steps to preserve and enhance forests, and provide for full transparency with respect to the implementation of mitigation measures and provision of financial, technology and capacity building support. The two sides are committed to working together and with other countries in the weeks ahead for a successful outcome at Copenhagen."<ref name="China"/> A few days later Obama stated in his weekly address that : :"as the two largest consumers and producers of energy, we developed a host of new clean energy initiatives with China, and our two nations agreed to work toward a successful outcome at the upcoming climate summit in Copenhagen – an outcome that leads to immediate action to reduce carbon pollution."<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/weekly-address-president-obamas-overseas-trip-focused-better-relations-with-asia-an "President Obama's Overseas Trip Focused on Better Relations with Asia and Creating Jobs at Home"], Weekly Address, The White House Office of the Press Secretary, November 21, 2009.</ref>

:"The question, then, before us is no longer the nature of the challenge -- the question is our capacity to meet it. For while the reality of climate change is not in doubt, I have to be honest, as the world watches us today, I think our ability to take collective action is in doubt right now, and it hangs in the balance."

:"... After months of talk, after two weeks of negotiations, after innumerable side meetings, bilateral meetings, endless hours of discussion among negotiators, I believe that the pieces of that accord should now be clear.

:"First, all major economies must put forward decisive national actions that will reduce their emissions, and begin to turn the corner on climate change. I'm pleased that many of us have already done so. Almost all the major economies have put forward legitimate targets, significant targets, ambitious targets. And I'm confident that America will fulfill the commitments that we have made: cutting our emissions in the range of 17 percent by 2020, and by more than 80 percent by 2050 in line with final legislation.

:"Second, we must have a mechanism to review whether we are keeping our commitments, and exchange this information in a transparent manner. These measures need not be intrusive, or infringe upon sovereignty. They must, however, ensure that an accord is credible, and that we're living up to our obligations. Without such accountability, any agreement would be empty words on a page.

:"... Number three, we must have financing that helps developing countries adapt, particularly the least developed and most vulnerable countries to climate change. America will be a part of fast-start funding that will ramp up to $10 billion by 2012. And yesterday, Secretary Hillary Clinton, my Secretary of State, made it clear that we will engage in a global effort to mobilize $100 billion in financing by 2020, if -- and only if -- it is part of a broader accord that I have just described."

:"Mitigation. Transparency. Financing. It's a clear formula -- one that embraces the principle of common but differentiated responses and respective capabilities. And it adds up to a significant accord -- one that takes us farther than we have ever gone before as an international community."

:"We know the fault lines because we've been imprisoned by them for years. These international discussions have essentially taken place now for almost two decades, and we have very little to show for it other than an increased acceleration of the climate change phenomenon. The time for talk is over. This is the bottom line: We can embrace this accord, take a substantial step forward, continue to refine it and build upon its foundation. We can do that, and everyone who is in this room will be part of a historic endeavor -- one that makes life better for our children and our grandchildren. Or we can choose delay, falling back into the same divisions that have stood in the way of action for years. And we will be back having the same stale arguments month after month, year after year, perhaps decade after decade, all while the danger of climate change grows until it is irreversible."

:"Ladies and gentlemen, there is no time to waste. America has made our choice. We have charted our course. We have made our commitments. We will do what we say. Now I believe it's the time for the nations and the people of the world to come together behind a common purpose. We are ready to get this done today -- but there has to be movement on all sides to recognize that it is better for us to act than to talk; it’s better for us to choose action over inaction; the future over the past -- and with courage and faith, I believe that we can meet our responsibility to our people, and the future of our planet. Thank you very much."<ref>* Barack Obama, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-morning-plenary-session-united-nations-climate-change-conference "Remarks by the President at the Morning Plenary Session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference"], White House, Office of the Press Secretary, December 18, 2009.</ref>

With slow progress being made in the official negotiations, Obama led negotiations with a small number of other countries and subsequently briefed a select group of U.S. journalists on the outline of what was later announced as the [[Copenhagen Accord]]. Key statements he made at the briefing were:<ref name="Briefing">Barack Obama, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-during-press-availability-copenhagen "Remarks by the President during press availability in Copenhagen"], Office of the Press Secretary, December 18, 2009.</ref>

:"Today we've made meaningful and unprecedented -- made a meaningful and unprecedented breakthrough here in Copenhagen. For the first time in history all major economies have come together to accept their responsibility to take action to confront the threat of climate change."

:"...These three components -- transparency, mitigation and finance -- form the basis of the common approach that the United States and our partners embraced here in Copenhagen. Throughout the day we worked with many countries to establish a new consensus around these three points, a consensus that will serve as a foundation for global action to confront the threat of climate change for years to come."

:"This success would have not been possible without the hard work of many countries and many leaders -- and I have to add that because of weather constraints in Washington I am leaving before the final vote, but we feel confident that we are moving in the direction of a significant accord. In addition to our close allies who did so much to advance this effort, I worked throughout the day with Prime Minister Meles of Ethiopia, who was representing Africa, as well as Premier Wen of China, Prime Minister Singh of India, President Lula of Brazil, and President Zuma of South Africa, to achieve what I believe will be an important milestone."

:"Earlier this evening I had a meeting with the last four leaders I mentioned -- from China, India, Brazil, and South Africa. And that's where we agreed to list our national actions and commitments, to provide information on the implementation of these actions through national communications, with international consultations and analysis under clearly defined guidelines. We agreed to set a mitigation target to limit warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius, and importantly, to take action to meet this objective consistent with science."

:"Taken together these actions will help us begin to meet our responsibilities to leave our children and our grandchildren a cleaner and safer planet."

:"Now, this progress did not come easily, and we know that this progress alone is not enough. Going forward, we're going to have to build on the momentum that we've established here in Copenhagen to ensure that international action to significantly reduce emissions is sustained and sufficient over time. We've come a long way, but we have much further to go."

:"To continue moving forward we must draw on the effort that allowed us to succeed here today -- engagement among nations that represent a baseline of mutual interest and mutual respect. Climate change threatens us all; therefore, we must bridge old divides and build new partnerships to meet this great challenge of our time. That's what we've begun to do here today ... And around the world, energy is an issue that demands our leadership. The time has come for us to get off the sidelines and to shape the future that we seek. That's why I came to Copenhagen today, and that's why I'm committed to working in common effort with countries from around the globe. That's also why I believe what we have achieved in Copenhagen will not be the end but rather the beginning, the beginning of a new era of international action."<ref>Barack Obama, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-during-press-availability-copenhagen name="Remarks by the President during press availability in CopenhagenBriefing"], Office of the Press Secretary, December 18, 2009.</ref>