The United States in the Copenhagen process: the temptation of leadership

Written before the Copenhagen Conference, this analysis first gives an overview of the United States energy systems (greenhouse gas emissions, energy sources and more particularly fossil sources) and of the evolutions since the Kyoto Conference in comparison with other countries (notably the European Union). It also evokes the commitment of some States and companies within the USA. Then, the authors comment the revitalization of the environmental policy in the National Recovery Act and the prospects of greenhouse gas emission reductions according to a Congress proposition (Waxman and Markey). They analyse the US posture with respect to international negotiations, aspects which are probably not negotiable, and opportunities to involve the USA in an international agreement