ABSTRACT
In the wake of President Barack Obama’s re-election, the outlook for domestic action and leadership on climate change by the United States remains unclear. On the one hand, recent projections of US emissions show that the United States – through a mix of major clean energy policies, slow economic growth and abundant, cheap natural gas – may achieve the significant emission reductions President Obama promised in late 2009. On the other hand, the sluggish economy, rising budget deficits and other factors continue to press against strong US climate action at home or abroad. Congress remains deeply divided on climate policy and highly dysfunctional on other matters. Internationally, many nations increasingly see the Obama administration as falling short of its climate goals. In reality, the United States has delivered on short-term promises regarding emission reductions and international climate assistance to developing nations. But domestic US policies have so far lacked long-term vision and clear leadership.
