Obama also used his inaugural address to hint at a more forceful engagement on climate change than in his first term, calling the fight against global warming a defense of future generations.

President Obama: “We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires and crippling drought and more powerful storms.”

The New York Times reports the Obama administration will tackle climate change this term by avoiding broad, far-reaching efforts through Congress and instead focusing on “administrative” actions. These include reducing power plant emissions, increasing the efficiency of home appliances, and reducing the federal government’s carbon footprint. Although the White House is planning a campaign to build public support, environmentalists have been warned not to expect “full-scale engagement” while Congress is preoccupied with other issues including gun control, immigration and the federal budget.