Tuesday 20th January 2009 was a historical moment for the world as Barack Obama became President of the United States of America. As he was sworn in America and the whole world was expectant and full of hope. During his campaign Obama revealed his green credentials. Here we take a look at how environmental issues were mentioned in his inauguration speech.
Point One
‘Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. ’
Point Two
‘We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. ’
Point Three
‘And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.’
So there we have it. Obama makes reference to the environment three times in his speech which is pretty good going. It shows that green issues will be taken seriously within the White House. Barack Obama appears to understand the importance of looking after the environment and using new technologies to reduce our carbon footprint.
Will Obama’s time in the White House bring about big changes in environmental policy both in America and the rest of the world? Ethical and Green hope so……
