USA: Comment - Obama’s best chance to cement climate legacy

By Dirk Forrister

President Obama’s Inaugural Address last month surprised many in Washington with its focus on climate change.

It set in motion a flurry of speculation as to how his Administration might transition from ambitious talk to meaningful action during his second term.

The upcoming State of the Union address could be just the opportunity for the President to elaborate on how his Administration might take action.

[...]

In focus: US climate change legislation

Business is already responding to climate risks by investing in adaptation measures. Lawmakers must follow suit to ensure public investment can withstand the increases in extreme events driven by our changing climate.

The President genuinely appears eager to address climate change. Whether Congress obliges or not, he has options at his disposal to achieve results.

If he does so in an effective manner, taking private sector concerns into consideration, the President has the opportunity to make good on his Inauguration Speech.

Outlining some of his Administration’s plans to do so in his next State of the Union would be a good start.

Dirk Forrister is the President and CEO of the International Emissions Trading Association. IETA has been the leading voice of the business community on the subject of carbon markets since 2000.

IETA’s 150 member companies include some of the world’s leading corporations, including global leaders in oil, electricity, cement, aluminum, chemical, paper, and other industrial sectors; as well as leading firms in the data verification and certification, brokering and trading, legal, finance, and consulting industries.