Clinton: “U.S. has been negligent in living up to its responsibilities” for Global Warming

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told a group of young Europeans at the European Parliament in Brussels today that the global economic downturn provided a fresh new opportunity. “Never waste a good crisis,” Secretary Clinton suggested. “Don’t waste it when it can have a very positive impact on climate change and energy security,” she said.

Clinton also said she was encouraged during her recent trip to Asia by China’s evolving position on forging a new climate policy. A policy that is inextricably linked with economic and energy security.

“There is no doubt in my mind the energy security and climate change crises, which I view as being together, not separate, must be dealt with,” Clinton added.

Europe has already agreed to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent from 1990 levels in the next decade and President Obama has proposed to cut carbon dioxide emissions 80 percent by 2050.

But with a struggling global economy, including a tanking European carbon market, some European states have already shown trepidation towards aggressive climate policy.

AP Photo courtesy of US Department of State

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