On Thursday at Harry Reid’s annual energy conference in Las Vegas, Hillary Clinton said, “Climate change is the most consequential, urgent, sweeping collection of challenges we face.”
The former Secretary of State and the likely 2016 Democratic frontrunner for president added, “The threat is real, and so is the opportunity… if we make the hard choices.”
According to the National Journal, Clinton offered her support for President Obama’s climate action plan and EPA rules to restrict power plant emissions. Moreover, she espoused the great potential for renewable energy sources and made no mention of the Keystone XL pipeline. Clinton envisions America as the “clean energy superpower of the 21st century.”
The majority of Clinton’s address centered on foreign policy, the Journal reported. The former First Lady emphasized that the U.S. needs to strengthen its international agreements to combat climate change and called for a “strong agreement, applicable to all.”
Clinton is optimistic that a strong agreement can be reached now that Obama’s climate action plan is in place. Clinton proudly stated that the U.S. can now “show the world we are serious about meeting our obligations and show… the U.S. can still do big things.”
Obama’s action plan aims to cut carbon emissions in America and to establish bilateral initiatives with China, India, and other major emitting countries.
Some critics believe that raised carbon levels are not necessarily detrimental. Breitbart News reported in early July that the rise of carbon emissions may actually increase biodiversity on the planet.
According to Doctor Craig Idso, the chairman of the Center for the Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change, increased levels of C02 reduce the negative effects of a number of plant stresses including: high salinity, low light, high and low temperatures, insufficient water, air pollution, and C02 protects against herbivores, i.e. being eaten by animals and insects.