Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel congratulates the new US President on his inauguration: "We are entering a new era of international climate protection with President Barack Obama. Washington is back on board," commented Minister Gabriel. "If the new President delivers on the promises made during his campaign and confirmed after his election, it means a change of course in US climate policy and the return of the US to the multilateral negotiation process. This strengthens my belief that we will be able to adopt a new, ambitious, global climate agreement at the end of 2009 in Copenhagen."
So far the EU has been the lone leader in international climate protection efforts. It has agreed ambitious climate targets and implemented these with the climate package of December last year, thus sending a signal that climate protection is compatible with economic growth. Europe is leading the way and will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 based on 1990 levels, and even by 30 percent in the case of a new global climate agreement. The chances of success in Copenhagen have increased with the inauguration of Barack Obama. On 18 November 2008 Barack Obama stated in a video message that he wanted his election to mark a new chapter in the UN climate negotiations. He also described climate change as one of the world's greatest problems. "Without the US there can be no decisive progress in the international climate process," stressed Minister Gabriel. However, it is crucial for the US that countries like India and China also play their part. The focus of negotiations will therefore be on the binding contribution that can be made by the US on one hand and newly industrialising countries with strong economic growth on the other.
The goal of the new administration under President Obama is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050. In his response to the financial and economic crisis, President Obama is focussing on creating jobs through climate-friendly investments on a scale of 150 billion US dollars. Around one million jobs are to be created by doubling the use of renewable energies within three years and by modernising the energy systems of 75 percent of public buildings and two million private households. Minister Gabriel: "I am delighted about this contest for the most ambitious climate protection programme. I am sure that the US will give us some tough competition. This will enable us to place transatlantic relations on a new footing."
President Obama's choice of staff also reflects his commitment. Carol Browner, EPA administrator under President Clinton and close advisor to Al Gore, will take over a new coordinating role at the White House for climate protection and energy. The designated new head of the US Environmental Protection Agency will be the former environment commissioner of New Jersey, Lisa Jackson. Steven Chu, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics, will be the new energy secretary. He is a vocal advocate of expanding the use of renewable energies. President Obama's scientific advisors include John Holdren and Jane Lubchenko, who have also voiced their strong support for ambitious climate policy.