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BREAKING: On Monday, President Obama will release the final version of America’s Clean Power Plan—the biggest, most important step we’ve ever taken to combat climate change. If you agree that we can’t condemn our kids and grandkids to a planet that’s beyond fixing, share this video with your friends and family. It’s time to take action on climate change.

“I welcome His Holiness Pope Francis’s encyclical, and deeply admire the Pope’s decision to make the case - clearly, powerfully, and with the full moral authority of his position - for action on global climate change. As Pope Francis so eloquently...

“I welcome His Holiness Pope Francis’s encyclical, and deeply admire the Pope’s decision to make the case - clearly, powerfully, and with the full moral authority of his position - for action on global climate change. As Pope Francis so eloquently stated this morning, we have a profound responsibility to protect our children, and our children’s children, from the damaging impacts of climate change. I believe the United States must be a leader in this effort, which is why I am committed to taking bold actions at home and abroad to cut carbon pollution, to increase clean energy and energy efficiency, to build resilience in vulnerable communities, and to encourage responsible stewardship of our natural resources. We must also protect the world’s poor, who have done the least to contribute to this looming crisis and stand to lose the most if we fail to avert it. I look forward to discussing these issues with Pope Francis when he visits the White House in September. And as we prepare for global climate negotiations in Paris this December, it is my hope that all world leaders–and all God’s children–will reflect on Pope Francis’s call to come together to care for our common home.” —President Obama on Pope Francis’s encyclical urging action to address climate change

bearfax asked:
I feel scared about having kids! I am worried that things are going to get really bad for the next generation (and beyond) - extreme storms and drought in so much of the country seem like they're going to keep getting worse. So much feels out of my control because big businesses and agriculture in the US and other countries use the majority of resources and release the most carbon dioxide: Even if I do everything I can on a personal level, will it even matter? Thank you for doing this!
We answered:

I understand the anxiety you and many others are feeling about climate change. Put simply: it’s our generation’s defining challenge and we’re already feeling the impacts. But that shouldn’t make you lose hope. There are steps that all of us can take – government, business, families and individuals – that can be part of the solution to fight climate change and transition to a clean energy economy. I hope some of the steps that we discussed today give you an idea of what you can do to help and what President Obama is doing to take on this global challenge. 

I have to run but it’s been great talking to everyone and I look forward to continuing the conversation. -Brian

effieosborne-blog asked:
How will the TPP obstruct efforts to curtail global warming?
We answered:

The TPP has the potential to be the greenest trade agreement ever. In that agreement, the Administration is seeking to address conservation challenges that are particularly prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region, including many “biodiversity hotspots,” some of which have served as conduits for illegal trade and smuggling in threatened animal and plant species. This makes TPP a unique opportunity to break new ground on conservation and fisheries provisions that go beyond current international agreements. For the first time in any trade or environment agreement, we are negotiating prohibitions on some of the most harmful fish subsidies, including those that contribute to overfishing. TPP also includes commitments to protect our oceans and endangered wildlife including commitments on wildlife trafficking, illegal fishing, and illegal logging. -Brian

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builtbybeans asked:
My question is when is the administration going to address the enormous contributions that animal agriculture makes to climate change? Animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of GHG emissions (vs transportation at 13%) but we never hear about it.
We answered:
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You’re right that this is a big - and under appreciated – deal. One of the things Secretary Vilsack at USDA has done is to work with the agriculture industry on an impressive 10-point plan to curb GHG emissions, including through things like biodigesters. -Brian