Meaning: Valerie Jarrett, a lawyer and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, made the statement, "Instead of sitting on the sidelines, President Obama has made it clear that the US is ready to lead a global effort to combat climate change." This quote reflects the proactive stance taken by the Obama administration in addressing the pressing issue of climate change on a global scale.

During his presidency, Barack Obama demonstrated a commitment to addressing climate change through various policy initiatives and international engagements. The quote by Valerie Jarrett captures the essence of Obama's approach, emphasizing the United States' willingness to take a leadership role in the fight against climate change rather than remaining passive or indifferent to the issue.

One of the key actions taken by the Obama administration to combat climate change was the implementation of the Clean Power Plan. This initiative aimed to reduce carbon pollution from power plants, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. By setting standards for carbon emissions from power plants and encouraging the development of clean energy technologies, the Clean Power Plan represented a significant step towards mitigating climate change.

In addition to domestic policies, President Obama also engaged with the international community to address climate change. In 2015, the United States played a pivotal role in the negotiation of the Paris Agreement, a landmark international accord aimed at limiting global temperature rise and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The agreement brought together countries from around the world to commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and pursuing efforts to keep global temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius.

Valerie Jarrett's quote reflects the Obama administration's recognition of the interconnected nature of climate change and the need for coordinated global action. By emphasizing that the US is "ready to lead a global effort," the quote underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the complex and far-reaching challenges posed by climate change.

Furthermore, the statement highlights the role of leadership in driving meaningful change on a global scale. President Obama's proactive stance on climate change sent a clear signal to other nations, encouraging them to join forces in the collective effort to combat climate change. By positioning the US as a leader in addressing this critical issue, the Obama administration sought to inspire and mobilize other countries to take decisive action.

In conclusion, Valerie Jarrett's quote encapsulates the proactive approach taken by the Obama administration in addressing climate change. Through domestic policies such as the Clean Power Plan and international initiatives like the Paris Agreement, the United States under President Obama demonstrated its readiness to lead a global effort to combat climate change. The quote underscores the importance of proactive leadership and international cooperation in addressing this pressing global challenge.