President Obama has to support renewable energy in his second term over oil, coal and natural gas.
Here in DC outside of Greenpeace US’s headquarters, everyone’s getting ready for President Barack Obama’s big inauguration day this Monday. There’s a buzz in the air, street vendors selling hats with bedazzled “Obamas” and stern warnings from the city’s Metro system about packed trains and long lines.
While we congratulate President Obama in his second term, we’ve got a bit of a to-do list for him. Actually, make that a “Need-To-Do” list. And it’s not actually for us. It’s for the future of every living thing on this planet including President Obama and his family. And the other guy’s.
President Barack Obama's second term, climate change needs to be a priority.
Now, look, President Obama. (insert your favorite presidential impression). We know you want to do the right thing and move this country forward. We’re ready to go there with you so here are the directions:
1) Put a final period on the end of “No Keystone Pipeline.”
We’re sick of hearing “for now” at the end of this statement. Not only does the pipeline put us at risk of an unthinkable spill, it’s not the answer to progress for America’s energy future. It’s just the same, old dirty energy in a new, cylinder-shaped package.
2) Accelerate the expansion of clean, safe renewable energy.
The clean energy industry needs your support rather than massive oil companies, dirty coal utilities and natural gas. When the United States invests in clean energy technology, we’re investing in our future.
3) Make carbon unaffordable.
Why is it so cheap to quicken climate change and poison Americans? We need you to stand up to polluters, President Obama. They’re putting our health at risk, our homes at risk and our countries at risk. And you’re making it laughably easy to do so.
4) Save the Arctic.
After months of campaigning to save the Arctic from oil companies looking to profit from record-low sea ice in our global air conditioner, we were thrilled to hear Shell’s announcement that they would no Arctic drilling in 2012. However, we know it’s only a matter of time before Shell, or another company, gives it another go. We need President Obama to grant no permits to anycompany to drill for oil in Arctic.
5) Support communities most impacted by climate change.
In 2012, Hurricane Sandy showed us how quickly a superstorm can wipe out everything your entire livelihood. Unfortunately, climate change events can come in the form of a destructive wildfire, a devastating drought or sudden powerful storms. President Obama has to plan for the reality of climate change and help those Americans that are always left to clean up the mess.
Hear a message below to President Obama from Bri Jackson, a Far Rockaway Beach resident cleaning up after Hurricane Sandy.
