Executive Order 13514

Executive Order 13514 is one of the reasons people in the environmental movement should be very happy that Barack Obama was re-elected as US president this week. Looking through the election campaign of each major candidate you will see little in the way of solid environmental policy. However it was the signing of Order 13514 back in 2009 that marked Obama out as the 'environmental' candidate.

An executive order is a direct instruction issued by the President to US federal agencies that does not (usually) have to be approved by congress. In this case President Obama ordered all arms of the US government to adapt and 'prepare' for climate change. This may sound a bit woolly but it has in fact been highly effective. It requires all government departments to set a greenhouse gas reduction target for 2020, reduce waste and pollution and promote 'environmentally friendly' technology. Its true value however is in the long term planning aspect of the order. Departments must appoint a climate change specialist to oversee the planning and implementation a climate adaption strategy so that the agency will be able to continue its functions as climate change effects the US.

While at first glance the order may seem vague it has nevertheless been taken seriously by the branches of the government it effects. For example part of the military’s adaptation plan has resulted in a survey of all American water resources and coastlines to assess their vulnerability to climate change and how best they can be protected. On a larger scale, all employees in the departments effected are to receive training on the basics of climate science.

All of these changes have resulted in a 'trickle down' of environmental awareness because not only do the agencies of the federal government have to apply Executive Order 13514, but all private sector contractors that work with the government will have to as well. While it is too early to tell how great an impact Executive Order 13514 will have on America’s fight against climate change it may well be an important early step in changing attitudes and therefore actions towards the environment.

(The order can be read in full here)