President Obama to unveil climate plan Tuesday

President Barack Obama will unveil details about his climate change strategy this Tuesday at a talk at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. 

According to a video posted to the White House front page, his vision will include a national plan to reduce carbon pollution, prepare the country for impacts of climate change, and lead global climate efforts.

Calling climate change a “serious challenge”, and one that is “uniquely suited” to America’s strengths, the President calls on farmers, engineers, businesses, and citizens to work together. This announcement comes on the heels of the signing of a new agreement between the United States and China on hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, earlier this month. HFCs have replaced HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) in air conditioning and refrigeration systems in response to their impact on atmospheric ozone. However, the replacement HFCs are potent greenhouse gases.

The President is expected to use executive powers to reduce carbon pollution, rather than relying on Congressional action. The Administration has kept most climate change issues in a holding pattern in recent months while it works to shepherd Gina McCarthy’s nomination to lead the EPA through the Senate while nailing down the particulars on emissions rules for new power plants. The power plant emission rules are controversial and likely to involve the courts. In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has authority to regulate greenhouse gases as pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

The President’s strategy will likely include efforts to boost clean energy development domestically and spur adaptation measures, such as securing coastlines and ports for vulnerable communities.