A View From Washington: Climate Policy Under Obama—Implications for Canada and Trade

At a time of global financial turmoil and the resulting recession (of unknown depth and duration), momentum toward a climate pact has slowed both in the United States and internationally. Some experts, however, have argued that the financial crisis calls for faster—not slower—action on climate change.

This briefing looks at how the United States is likely to deal with climate change challenges under a Barack Obama presidency, and the implications for Canada. The authors note that throughout his election campaign, Mr. Obama argued that the U.S. must show leadership on the issue of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

As the largest supplier of petroleum and natural gas to the United States, Canada will need to make a strong case to convince the Obama administration that Canada is the foremost secure source of clean energy.