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Obama 'Has 4 Years to Save Planet'

Environmental crisis at tipping point—and US must show way

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 18, 2009 5:00 PM CST

(Newser) – Carbon levels are skyrocketing, ice caps are melting, and global flooding is on its way if Barack Obama doesn’t do something about it, and quickly, a NASA scientist says. Top climate expert Jim Hansen says it’s crucial that within 4 years the next president change America—the world’s biggest carbon emitter and its largest economy—after 8 years of ignoring global warming, the Guardian reports.

“We cannot afford to put off change any longer," Hansen says. "We have to get on a new path within this new administration. We have only four years left for Obama to set an example to the rest of the world. He adds that cap-and-trade systems have failed to reduce emissions, and now a carbon tax on all fossil-fuel producers is essential. And burning of coal, the worst carbon offender, in new power plants must be banned."

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., looks at the crowd after he spoke at a rally at Ault Park in Cincinnati, Ohio on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., addresses supporters at a park in Noblesville, Ind., Saturday, May 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama looks out into a crowd of supporters as he speaks at a campaign rally at Yellow Jacket Park, Saturday, April 14, 2007, at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)

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Obama 'Has 4 Years to Save Planet'

Environmental crisis at tipping point—and US must show way

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Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

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Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

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'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

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At least 28 more plan to seek one

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Obama 'Has 4 Years to Save Planet'

Environmental crisis at tipping point—and US must show way

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climate change • Barack Obama • environment • global warming • carbon emissions • Jim Hansen • President Obama

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More Newser Stories

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

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