As President-Elect Barack Obama’s inauguration fast approaches, Green Business offers a synopsis of some of the crucial appointments he has made for his administration.

Obama has characterized energy policy as a critical issue for the U.S. — an issue of national security and economic growth. Obama stated at the announcement of his appointment to the energy and environment portfolio that the promise of renewable energy sources must now be fulfilled.

Understanding the implications of carbon taxes and cap & trade regimes.

By Cheryl Slusarchuk

While the overall impact of changes to environmental legislation on business remains uncertain, at least one change - the pricing of carbon emissions, either by way of carbon taxes or cap and trade - will have an impact on existing business-to-business relationships and contracts. This impact will be felt most by supply chain manufacturers, producers and intermediaries that cannot pass on the increased cost to the end consumer.

New developments in climate change management are occurring around the world that will make an impact on the environment and local economies.

B.C.’s new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act sets bold goals that it hopes will drive innovation and investment. The rest of Canada is watching intently to see how it works.