With 2009 waning and 2010 revving up, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the stories, issues and ideas that shaped the climate debate in 2009 and look forward to its evolution in 2010.
Put a cap on it. Capitalizing on a democratic majority and working with interests across the ideological and economic spectrum, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi—with undeniable assistance from Rep. Henry Waxman—managed to pass historic climate and energy legislation in the House in June, 2009.
But since its passage, the bill has struggled to move forward in the Senate, taking a back seat to financial and health care reforms. And despite a tri-partisan effort and momentum from Copenhagen, late last week, Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La.—speaking on behalf of some half-dozen moderate Democrats—said she can’t stomach a fight over cap-and-trade legislation.
Meanwhile, compelled by a 2007 Supreme Court ruling and recent endangerment finding, the EPA is moving concurrently to mitigate emissions of some six dangerous greenhouse gasses. Many, including business leaders and even EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, say this regulation is less than ideal. But in the absence of congressional action, the agency will proceed with its policy development. Still, plenty expect the outcome to be different than expected.
The shifting scales of global leadership. The United States is no longer the world’s top emitter. Consequently, the U.S. doesn’t stand at center stage alone any longer in climate talks. With China growing, elevating its population to a new standard of living and searching for a green path forward, international dynamics are changing.
Finger pointing seems to have dissipated slightly in the wake of this month’s climate change conference in Copenhagen. However, blame for the conference’s flop has been lobbed in China’s direction. As the country straddles a line between developing nation and world superpower, it finds itself with new responsibilities and challenges.
Putting up green to green the planet. This year saw some lofty commitments from world leaders who have undertaken responsibilities to not only transition their developed economies to low-carbon futures, but also assist developing nations in growing their economies in a green way.
But with unprecedented economic woes at home, how can U.S. officials convince Congress and the public the investments being made are good ones?
As for the big questions of 2010, Financial Times’ Energy Source has pulled together some thoughts. Meanwhile, Grist recaps the biggest environmental stories of the ‘00s. You can expect Weathervane to keep an eye on these issues and plenty more in the coming year.
Have a happy and safe new year.
Tiffany Clements is managing editor of Weathervane.
