The Political Climate: an ongoing commentary on the NH Primary and Climate Change

In preparation for next week’s G8 summit in Germany, where global warming is expected to be a priority focus, President Bush delivered a speech on climate change today at the White House.  His speech outlined a proposal to “establish a new framework for greenhouse gas emissions for when the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.”  The aim is to develop a “long-term global goal” that the US and 15 other nations (emitters that produce roughly 80% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions) agree to reach.  The President proposed the following:

“Each country would establish midterm management targets and programs that reflect their own mix of energy sources and future needs…it’s important to ensure that we get results, and so we will create a strong and transparent system for measuring each country’s performance…The US will work with all nations that are part of this convention to adapt to the impacts of climate change, gain access to clean and more energy-efficient technologies, and promote sustainable forestry and agriculture.” (Read more of his speech here.)

The President’s plan includes eliminating tariff barriers so that the international community can share technology innovations.

Interest groups are already complimenting and criticizing the President’s proposed plan. 

The fact that the President is talking about a long-term, international global warming agreement, will serve as a baseline against which Republican candidates must communicate and benchmark their climate proposals.  We hope to hear from these candidates in New Hampshire.