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Just minutes ago, Barack Obama took the oath as the 44th president of the US. But the excitement wasn’t exclusive to the inauguration attendees partying on the D.C. mall. Leaders and volunteers at environmental NGOs are also ringing in the renewed sense of hope and change—for they are the experts hard at work trying to push eco-education, policy and conservation to the fore.
We turned to Planet Green’s non-profit partners to see what they think Obama’s biggest environmental challenges are and what he will need to do to meet them with success.
Matt Petersen, President & CEO, Global Green USA
Obama’s biggest eco-challenge: To overcome obstacles in congress and from lobbyists so he can move beyond just the rhetoric of a green agenda and truly pursue an economic rebirth and environmental revival as one and the same.
Advice for Obama: He will need to make sure that his environmental platform to tackle global warming, reduce our reliance on foreign oil, expand solar and renewable energy, and to create green jobs are integrated into his economic and national security policies.
How we can help our new President: Get engaged. We need to become a nation of social entrepreneurs – all rowing in the same direction, taking personal responsibility in our own neighborhoods, schools, and businesses.
Beth Lowell, Federal Policy Director, Oceana
Obama’s biggest eco-challenge: Climate change and ocean protection.
Advice for Obama: Through energy conservation and a speedy transition to a clean energy future, Obama can directly confront the climate crisis. The U.S. should reduce greenhouse gas emissions immediately, with a target of a 25 to 40 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2020 and an 80 to 95 percent reduction by the year 2050. We also look to the new administration to establish increased protections for marine life.
How we can help our new President: Reduce our carbon footprint and find ways to support clean, healthy oceans.
Eric Ritz, Executive Director, Global Inheritance
Obama’s biggest eco-challenge: Championing the cost of green and making it more affordable for the masses.
Advice for Obama: Support capitalists who place people and the environment ahead of the profits.
How we can help our new President: Buy organic, ethical brands to drive down market costs.
Bob Bendick, Director of U.S. Government Relations of The Nature Conservancy
Obama’s biggest eco-challenge: Climate Change. But there is a potentially even more difficult challenge--dealing with our environmental problems in a more holistic manner.
Advice for Obama: Merge state and federal government environmental programs where it makes sense. For example, The Western Governors’ Association has identified the conservation of large scale wildlife corridors, particularly in the Rocky Mountains, as a way of conserving the multiple human and ecological values of regional landscapes. The Federal Government, which owns much of the land involved, should participate with the states in an effort to carry out this concept.
How we can help our new President: Learn more at The Nature Conservancy.
The Ocean Conservancy
Obama’s biggest eco-challenge: To mitigate climate change which is negatively affecting our world’s oceans and in turn, us. The increased concentration of carbon dioxide has led to the loss in sea ice, rises in sea level and acidification of ocean water, threatening the crucial base of our food web.
Advice for Obama: Build a “blue legacy” by making oceans a priority when discussing climate change, focus on the Arctic and bringing order to the ocean. From major shipping lanes to fishing waters and recreational use, the ocean has any number of uses. A comprehensive plan for a sustainable ocean use will ensure that we can use the ocean while preserving it for future generations.
How we can help our new President: Follow these ten tips from The Ocean Conservancy.
More on Obama:
Petition to Turn Obama's First Lawn into Organic Garden—Yes We Can!
How Can Obama Save the Planet? Read The 100 Day Action Plan E-book
More on Obama from TreeHugger:
Visit TreeHugger's Inauguration Page
Official White House Policy on Energy & The Environment Spelled Out On New Website
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