Obama's election could 'turn the page' for the USA

6 November 2008

Green Party Leader Caroline Lucas today said that Barack Obama’s election could ‘turn the page’ for the US on green policies.

Looking at his proposals for greening the US economy and re-engaging with the world to agree stronger climate targets, Caroline said that Greens in the UK are very hopeful after the presidential election this week.

She said: “After eight years of ignorant, dangerous and backward-looking policies from George W Bush, Greens can see real hope in Barack Obama. It’s clear that America has elected a President with a different vision of where we need to take our countries in the future. Much of his promised programme would bring real benefits to people and create a more resilient economy, as well as lower carbon emissions.

“His promise to invest in new technology and build up green industries echoes the Green Party’s proposals for  a ‘Green New Deal’ for Britain and Europe, and we are delighted to see these Green ideas represented in the new President’s plans.”

Seizing the opportunity for new sustainable industries in the U.S. economy, Mr Obama plans to invest $150 billion to create a clean energy revolution and create five million new “green collar jobs”.

Caroline added “Simultaneous investment in a Green New Deal on both sides of the Atlantic would help new green industries develop and transform our economy more quickly - bringing the benefits of new jobs and lower emissions much sooner than if the UK or Europe acted alone. Since Tuesday’s election, I am optimistic that a change in direction for the USA could herald a new era for green development across the world.“

Caroline also expressed her hopes for new international agreements to be forged on climate change.

“With the crucial Climate Change Conference in Copenhagan just one year away, in December 2009, the focus will be on America to lead the way in setting global reductions targets that will be enough to avert catastrophic climate change. We have less than a hundred months to take serious steps on reducing carbon emissions, and it is vital that Amerial plays a larger role in future in forging an international agreement on the action we will take.”