At the United Nations on September 23, President Obama participated in the Climate Summit — a meeting of world leaders to showcase climate action commitments from governments, local leaders, and the private sector.
The President gave a speech at the summit that highlighted the ambitious actions the U.S. is taking under his Climate Action Plan, while stressing that all major economies must step up to the plate if we are to avoid the dangerous consequences of climate change.
Watch the President's speech below -- and learn more about the new actions we're taking to strengthen global resilience to climate change and cut carbon pollution.
Due to climate change, the weather is getting more extreme
Due to climate change,
the weather is getting more extreme
Temperatures are rising across the U.S.
Temperatures from 2001 to 2012 were warmer than any previous decade in every region of the United States. Explore this interactive map from the National Climate Assessment to learn more.
Globally, the 10 warmest years on record all occurred since 1998.
Source: NOAA
For the contiguous 48 states, 7 of the 10 warmest years on record have occurred since 1998.
Source: NOAA
2012 was the second most extreme year on record for the nation
Source: NOAA, U.S. Climate Extremes Index
Record Heat Across the U.S.
State-by-state temperatures in 2012
Also in 2012:
Warmest Year on Record for the U.S.
Doesn't include Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories.
Source: NOAA
Record High Temperatures Tied or Broken
In the United States.
Source: NOAA, State of the Climate Report
Above Average
One-third of the U.S. Population experienced 100˚ temperatures
for ten or more days.
Source: NOAA
Above Average
6th-10th Warmest Year on Record
2nd-5th Warmest Year on Record
Warmest Year on Record
Source: National Climate Data Center/NESDIS/NOAA
Doesn't include Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories.
Droughts, Wildfires, and Floods are all more frequent and intense
Precipitation was 2.57 inches below the 20th Century Average
Source: NOAA
15th driest year on record
Source: NOAA
Wildfires burned more than 9.3 million U.S. acres
Source: National Interagency coordination center
Extreme weather comes at a cost
Climate and weather disasters in 2012 alone cost the American economy more than $100 billion
$30 Billion
U.S. drought/heatwave
Estimated across the U.S.
$65 Billion
Superstorm Sandy
Estimated
$11.1 Billion
Combined severe weather
Estimated for incidents across the U.S.
$1 Billion
Western wildfires
Estimated
$2.3 Billion
Hurricane Isaac
Estimated
There are also public health threats associated with extreme weather
Children, the elderly, and the poor are most vulnerable to a range of climate-related health effects, including those related to heat stress, air pollution, extreme weather events, and diseases carried by food, water, and insects.
We can choose to believe that Superstorm Sandy, and the most severe drought in decades, and the worst wildfires some states have ever seen were all just a freak coincidence. Or we can choose to believe in the overwhelming judgment of science — and act before it's too late."
- President Obama
Carbon Pollution
We're still contributing to the problem
Carbon pollution is the biggest
driver of climate change
Global temperatures and carbon dioxide levels are on the rise
The global annual average temperature has increased by more than 1.5 degrees F between 1880 and 2012. This interactive graph from the National Climate Assessment shows the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide over the same time period. Climate scientists say we need to avert an additional 2-degree temperature increase to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.
U.S. greenhouse gas pollution includes:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2), 82%
Enters the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of certain chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement).
Fluorinated gases, 3%
Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are synthetic, powerful greenhouse gases that are emitted from a variety of industrial processes.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O), 6%
Emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
Methane (CH4), 9%
Emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil as well as from landfills.
Source: EPA
We've made progress thanks to:
Stronger Fuel Economy Standards
We set the highest fuel economy standards in American history that will double the efficiency of our cars and trucks by 2025.
INCREASING CLEAN ENERGY
Since President Obama took office, the U.S. increased solar generation by more than ten-fold and tripled electricity production from wind power.
Decreased Carbon Pollution
In 2012, U.S. greenhouse gas pollution fell to the lowest level in nearly 20 years.
Renewable Energy and Efficiency Targets
35 states have renewable energy targets in place, and more than 25 have set energy efficiency targets.
But we have more work to do.
President Obama's Plan to Cut Carbon Pollution
The President's Plan to Cut Carbon Pollution in America
Reducing Carbon Pollution from Power Plants
Power plants are the largest major source of emissions in the U.S., together accounting for roughly one-third of all domestic greenhouse gas pollution.
PROGRESS:
In September 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed carbon pollution standards for new power plants.
PROGRESS:
The EPA has met with more than 300 stakeholder groups from across the country to gather information on standards for existing power plants. In June 2014, the EPA issued proposed carbon pollution standards for existing power plants.
Continuing the momentum for the future:
The EPA is on track to finalize guidelines for existing power plants by 2015.
On June 2, the EPA released a proposal that will set the first-ever national carbon pollution standards limits for America’s existing power plants.
Accelerating Clean Energy Leadership
During the President's first term, the United States more than doubled generation of electricity from wind and solar energy.
PROGRESS:
Since President Obama took office, the U.S. increased solar generation by more than ten-fold and tripled electricity production from wind power.
PROGRESS:
The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced permitting the 50th utility-scale renewable energy project on public lands. The projects could support more than 20,000 jobs and generate enough electricity to power 4.8 million homes.
PROGRESS:
In May 2014, the DOE’s Solar Instructor Training Network announced it will support training programs at community colleges across the country that will assist 50,000 workers to enter the solar industry by 2020.
PROGRESS:
In May 2014, President Obama announced more than 300 commitments private and public sector commitments to create jobs and cut carbon pollution by advancing solar deployment and energy efficiency — representing enough energy to power nearly 130,000 homes.
Continuing the momentum for the future:
To ensure America's continued leadership position in clean energy, President Obama has set new goals.
2015
President Obama's Fiscal Year 2015 Budget continues to further American leadership by investing approximately $6.9 billion in funding for clean energy technology programs. This includes investment in a range of energy technologies, from advanced biofuels and emerging nuclear technologies to clean coal.
2020
To ensure America's continued leadership position in clean energy. President Obama has set a goal to double wind and solar electricity generation once again by 2020.
2020
Federal agencies are setting a new goal of reaching 100MW of installed renewable capacity across federally-subsidized housing stock by 2020.
2025
The Department of Defense — the single largest consumer of energy in the United States — is committed to deploying three gigawatts of renewable energy on military installations by 2025.
Building a 21st Century Clean Energy Infrastructure
Heavy-duty vehicles (commercial trucks, vans, and buses) are currently the second largest source of greenhouse gas pollution within the transportation sector.
PROGRESS:
In January 2014, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum establishing the federal government’s first Quadrennial Energy Review (QER) process, with an initial focus on our nation's energy infrastructure.
PROGRESS:
In February 2014, President Obama directed EPA and DOT to develop and issue the next phase of heavy-duty vehicle fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards by March 2016.
PROGRESS:
In 2011, the Administration finalized fuel economy standards for Model Year 2014-2018 for heavy-duty trucks, buses, and vans. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 270 million metric tons and save 530 million barrels of oil.
PROGRESS:
The Administration has already established the toughest fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles in U.S. history. These standards require an average performance equivalent of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.
Continuing the momentum for the future:
During the President's second term, the Administration is partnering with industry leaders and other key stakeholders.
Post-2018
In partnership with industry leaders and other key stakeholders, the Administration will develop post-2018 fuel economy standards for heavy-duty vehicles to further reduce consumption through the application of advanced cost-effective technologies.
The Administration will also support the Renewable Fuel Standard and invest in research and development to help bring next-generation biofuels on line.
Cutting energy waste in homes, businesses, and factories
Energy efficiency is one of the clearest and most cost-effective opportunities to save families money, make our businesses more competitive, and reduce greenhouse gas pollution.
PROGRESS:
Since June, 75 new partners have joined the President’s Better Buildings Challenge. More than 190 organizations, together representing over 3 billion square feet of building space, have now committed to energy savings.
PROGRESS:
In President Obama's first term, DOE and HUD completed efficiency upgrades in nearly two million homes, saving many families more than $400 on their heating and cooling bills in the first year alone.
PROGRESS:
In December 2013, the Department of Agriculture announced it will provide up to $250 million to help businesses and residential customers in rural areas cut their energy bills through energy efficiency and renewable energy use.
PROGRESS:
Since June, DOE has issued nine proposed and seven final energy conservation standards for appliances and equipment. If finalized and combined with rules already issued, the energy savings will help cut consumers' electricity bills by hundreds of billions of dollars.
Continuing the momentum for the future:
The Administration will continue to take a range of new steps geared toward achieving President Obama's goal of doubling energy productivity by 2030, relative to 2010 levels.
2020
In 2011, President Obama announced the Better Buildings Initiative to help commercial and industrial buildings become at least 20 percent more energy efficient by 2020. To continue the success, the Administration will expand the Challenge to multifamily housing to cut energy waste.
In addition, the Administration is launching the Better Buildings Accelerators, to support and encourage adoption of state and local policies to cut energy waste.
2030
The Administration will build on this momentum by establishing new efficiency standards that — when combined with the progress already underway from the first term — will reduce carbon pollution by at least 3 billion metric tons by 2030, equivalent to more than a year's carbon pollution from our entire electricity system.
Reducing other greenhouse gas emissions
Emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) — which are potent greehouse gases — are expected to double by 2020 and nearly triple by 2030 in the U.S.
PROGRESS:
Since 1990, methane emissions have decreased by 11% in part through partnerships with industry.
PROGRESS:
In March 2014, the Administration released a Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions from landfills, coal mining, agriculture, and oil and gas systems through voluntary actions and common-sense standards.
Continuing the momentum for the future:
The United States must lead through international diplomacy and domestic actions to reduce emissions and transition to safer and more substantial options.
2020
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Interior, Labor, and Transportation will implement a comprehensive, interagency methane strategy.
The EPA will also use its authority under the Clean Air Act to encourage private sector investment in low-emissions technology by identifying and approving climate-friendly chemicals while prohibiting certain uses of more harmful HFCs.
Moving Forward
When it comes to the oil and gas sector, investments to build and upgrade gas pipelines will not only put more Americans to work, but also reduce emissions and enhance economic productivity.
The Obama Administration will work collaboratively with state governments, as well as the private sector, to reduce emissions across multiple sectors, improve air quality, and achieve public health and economic benefits.
Federal leadership
Since 2008, federal agencies have reduced greenhouse gas pollution by more than 17 percent — the equivalent of permanently taking 1.8 million cars off the road.
PROGRESS:
Expanded energy performance contracts from $2 billion to $4 billion to provide energy efficiency upgrades for Federal buildings, at no net cost to the taxpayer.
PROGRESS:
On December 5, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the federal government to buy at least 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
Continuing the momentum for the future:
President Obama believes that the federal government must be a leader in clean energy and energy efficiency.
2020
The federal government will consume 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 — more than double the current goal of 7.5 percent.
The President committed to reduce the federal government’s direct greenhouse gas emissions by 28 percent below 2008 levels by 2020.
Even as we take new steps to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, we must also prepare for the impacts of a changing climate that are already being felt across the country.
President Obama's Plan to Reduce the Impacts of Climate Change
The President's Plan Will
Prepare for the impacts of climate change
…Science, accumulated and reviewed over decades, tells us that our planet is changing in ways that will have profound impacts on all of humankind…those who are already feeling the effects of climate change don’t have time to deny it—they’re busy dealing with it.”
- President Obama, 2013
Read the Press Release
Moving forward, the Obama Administration will help states, cities, and towns build stronger communities and infrastructure, protect critical sectors of our economy as well as our natural resources, and use sound science to better understand and manage climate impacts.
Assess the Impacts of Climate Change
GOALS
Provide an assessment of climate change impacts on the United States that translates scientific insights into practical knowledge that can help decision-makers prepare for specific impacts.
PROGRESS:
On May 6, the Administration released the Third U.S. National Climate Assessment (NCA), the most authoritative and comprehensive source of scientific information to date about climate change impacts across all U.S. regions and on critical sectors of the economy. The NCA serves as a critical resource for informing climate preparedness and response decisions across the nation.
Support climate-resilient investments
GOALS
Remove policy barriers, modernize programs, and establish a short-term task force of state, local, and tribal officials to advise on key actions the federal government can take to support local and state efforts to prepare for climate change.
PROGRESS:
Federal agencies are working to ensure grants, technical assistance, and other programs support smarter, more resilient investments.
PROGRESS:
Established the President's State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, which is made up of 26 Governors, county executives, mayors and tribal leaders.
Rebuild and learn from Superstorm Sandy
GOALS
Pilot innovative strategies in the Superstorm Sandy-affected region to strengthen communities against future extreme weather and other climate impacts and update flood risk reduction standards for all federally funded projects.
PROGRESS:
From HUD grants and DOT funding for resilient transit systems to a DOI competition for support for coastal resilience projects, over $10B in Sandy recovery funds is being used to increase resilience.
PROGRESS:
On August 19, the Hurricane Sandy Task Force delivered a rebuilding strategy that is serving as a model for communities across the nation.
Launch an effort to create sustainable and resilient hospitals
GOALS
Establish a public-private partnership on increasing resilience of the health care industry.
PROGRESS:
HHS is on track to release a resource packet in fall 2014 providing best practices for increasing the resilience of healthcare facilities.
Maintain Agriculture Productivity
GOALS
Deliver tailored, science-based knowledge to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to help them understand and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
PROGRESS:
USDA established seven new “regional climate hubs” to help farmers and ranchers adapt their operations to a changing climate.
Provide tools for Climate Resilience
GOALS
Include existing and newly developed climate preparedness tools and information that state, local and private-sector leaders need to make smart decisions.
PROGRESS:
In March 2014, the Administration launched the Climate Data Initiative, bringing together extensive open government data and innovation competitions to develop data-driven resilience tools for communities.
Reduce Risk of Droughts and Wildfires
GOALS
Make it easier for communities to get the assistance they need to adapt to drier conditions.
PROGRESS:
Launched the National Drought Resilience Partnership and released the National Wildfire Cohesive Strategy.
President Obama's Plan Will Lead International Efforts to Address Global Climate Change
Because climate change spans international borders, the President's plan will also
Lead international efforts to address global climate change
America will continue to take on a leadership role in engaging the world's major economies to advance key climate priorities and in galvanizing global action through international climate negotiations. The plan will:
WORK WITH OTHER COUNTRIES TO TAKE ACTION TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE
Lead public sector financing toward cleaner energy
PROGRESS:
The President put forth an initiative to end public financing for new coal-fired power plants overseas, except in rare circumstances. Following the lead of the U.S., other nations—including the U.K., the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries—have joined the initiative.
Bilat cooperation with major economies
PROGRESS:
President Obama has made climate change a key issue in some of our most important bilateral relations, including China and India. Together, we are making progress around issue areas such as vehicle emissions standards, energy efficiency, and clean energy initiatives.
Expand clean energy use and cut energy waste
PROGRESS:
Facilitating the transition to a global clean energy economy, the U.S. Department of Energy is leading the Clean Energy Ministerial, a high-level global forum that promotes policies and programs aimed at scaling up energy efficiency and clean energy.
COMBAT SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANTS
PROGRESS:
Building on the breakthrough June 2013 agreement on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by President Obama and China’s President Xi, G-20 leaders in September 2013 expressed support for using the expertise and institutions of the Montreal Protocol to phase down HFCs.
PROGRESS:
The U.S. continues to spearhead the Climate and Clean Air Coalition which has expanded to 88 partners, including 39 countries. The Coalition is implementing ten initiatives to reduce emissions of methane, HFCs, and black carbon.
Reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation
PROGRESS:
In November 2013, the U.S., Norway, and the U.K. launched a public-private partnership to support forests in developing countries, with the goal of reducing emissions from deforestation and promoting sustainable agriculture.
NEGOTIATE GLOBAL FREE TRADE IN ENVIRONMENTAL GOODS AND SERVICES
PROGRESS:
In January 2014, a U.S.-led coalition of countries—representing 86% of global trade in environmental goods—announced plans to launch talks aimed at eliminating tariffs on a wide range of environmental goods under the World Trade Organization.
ENHANCE MULTILATERAL ENGAGEMENT WITH MAJOR ECONOMIES
PROGRESS:
The United States continues to play an active role in shaping the design of a new global climate agreement due in 2015, including through our chairmanship of the major economies forum on energy and climate.
Mobilize climate finance
PROGRESS:
In April 2014, the U.S., U.K., and Germany announced the Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance, a public-private platform designed to spur private-sector investment in low-carbon, climate-resilient infrastructure in developing countries.
Lead efforts to address climate change through international negotiations
The United States has made historic progress in the international climate negotiations during the past four years.
Moving Forward
The U.S. has committed to expand major new and existing international initiatives, including bilateral initiatives with China, India, and other major emitting countries.
We will lead global public sector financing toward cleaner energy by ending U.S. government financial support for new coal-fired power plants overseas, with limited exceptions.