The viewpoint that global warming and climate change are due primarily to human activity has resulted in the desire to reduce the buildup of carbon dioxide in the environment. Many of these changes in environmental policy include passing new regulations, increasing taxes on emissions, and offering incentives for the use of efficient or clean energy alternatives. These types of policies are called “green” policies because they focus on environmental protection, the use of clean energy, conservation practices, and the reduction of waste.

In his 2013 Second Inaugural speech, President Barack Obama addressed climate change.

“We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity. We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. (Applause.) Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires and crippling drought and more powerful storms.

The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition, we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries, we must claim its promise. That’s how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure -- our forests and waterways, our crop lands and snow-capped peaks. That is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God. That’s what will lend meaning to the creed our fathers once declared.”

In this speech, President Obama refers to the threat of climate change as a threat to the future of our planet. During his second term as President of the United States of America, he has developed a plan to address the causes and effects of climate change and crate a platform for developing environmental policies.

Click here to read more about Obama’s Climate Action Plan.