Welcoming President Barack Obama's election for a second term as President of the United States, the Green Party says that his primary international objective should be leading the way to an international climate deal and transforming the US to a leaner, greener economy, which insures a more sustainable prosperity for his people.

A"President Obama's re-election is a better outcome from an international environmental perspective, but his first term track record on climate change was very poor. Crop failures, extreme summer temperatures and super storm Sandy should help focus the President's mind on the urgency of dealing with the threat of climate chaos," said Green Party Spokesperson for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Cllr Malcolm Noonan.

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"Summer sea ice in the Arctic was at a record low this year and we are witnessing extreme weather events right across the globe. This is now just as much a social justice issue as it is an ecological one. As the most powerful leader in the developed world, President Obama must lead the way in ensuring that the most polluting countries drastically reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels," he continued.

"President Obama has the freedom within his second term to leave a lasting legacy on the climate issue. The latest research shows that the American people now believe that climate change is a very real threat to humanity as was recognised in the President's victory speech last night. He now has a mandate to turn the rhetoric of that speech into action. He can use the goodwill that exists towards him internationally to bring the US, Europe and the developing world together so we can all make a transformative leap to a more collaborative and sustainable global economic model."

(CD/GK)