Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
spark business innovation to modernize our power plants, resulting in cleaner
forms of American-made energy that will create good jobs and cut our
dependence on foreign oil. Combined with the Administration's other actions
to increase the efficiency of our cars and household appliances, the President's
plan will reduce the amount of energy consumed by American families,
cutting down on their gas and utility bills. The plan, which consists of a wide
variety of executive actions, has three key pillars:
1.
Cut Carbon Pollution in America:
In 2012, U.S. carbon emissions fell
to the lowest level in two decades even as the economy continued to
grow. To build on this progress, the Obama Administration is putting
in place tough new rules to cut carbon pollution - just like we have
for other toxins like mercury and arsenic - so we protect the health of
our children and move our economy toward American-made clean
energy sources that will create good jobs and lower home energy bills.
2.
Prepare the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change:
Even as
we take new steps to reduce carbon pollution, we must also prepare
for the impacts of a changing climate that are already being felt across
the country. Moving forward, the Obama Administration will help
state and local governments strengthen our roads, bridges, and
shorelines so we can better protect people's homes, businesses and
way of life from severe weather.
3.
Lead International Efforts to Combat Global Climate Change and
Prepare for its Impacts:
Just as no country is immune from the
impacts of climate change, no country can meet this challenge alone.
That is why it is imperative for the United States to couple action at
home with leadership internationally. America must help forge a truly
global solution to this global challenge by galvanizing international
action to significantly reduce emissions (particularly among the major
emitting countries), prepare for climate impacts, and drive progress
through the international negotiations.
Climate change represents one of our greatest challenges of our time, but
it is a challenge uniquely suited to America's strengths. Our scientists will
design new fuels, and our farmers will grow them. Our engineers to devise
new sources of energy, our workers will build them, and our businesses will
sell them. All of us will need to do our part. If we embrace this challenge, we
will not just create new jobs and new industries and keep America on the
