There is no doubt that the Administration has changed, from the presence of “the hockey stick” curve in Dr Chu’s Keynote Address through all three of the Plenary Papers, we, as an audience, were left in no doubt that Climate Change and the problems of carbon, are now a major part of the new agenda.

The Bush administration refused to talk about the problem then did the wrong things to solve them. The current administration talks about the problems then ... talks some more about the problems.

(Beats head against wall ...)

the Obama administration has been in power, what, 11 weeks? replacing a 400 week Bush administration.

I think we should give the administration a bit more time here. They are going against a bunch of powerful forces -- one of which is the "CLUELESS" Americans. The administration probably doesn't want to show all their cards right now.

Now, I think the best things we all here can do is gently pointed out to the administration through whatever interaction we can with them -- if one of us can have a direct talk with Chu, gauge and engage his thoughts. If you think he said something incorrect then try to change his thinking. Needless to say, all scientists are biased in their research. Furthermore, a lot of projects take a long time to bear fruits; so we shouldn't be biased to those kind of research. Of course, research is one thing and energy policies that address human and environmental needs within 10 years, 20 years, 50 years are quite different matter. Somehow, things have to be put in quantitative and perspective. For me, I would definitely want everyone here in the US to cut their carbon footprint in 1/2 or 3/4 tomorrow. But that is just wishful thinking. What the administration want and what they can do are quite different. How can you tell Americans who are eating a pound of sirloin for dinner to stop and start eating veggie? How do you tell Americans who wants that $2/gallon gas that you are going to raise tax to make it $4/gallon? We got to this point after years of consumerism; it will take time to unwind -- better expect a few SHOCKS along the way.