President Obama has unveiled a new climate plan featuring a series of executive actions to tackle global warming. Speaking in Washington, Obama said addressing climate change is a fight for the survival of future generations.

President Obama: “The question now is whether we will have the courage to act before it’s too late. And how we answer will have a profound impact on the world that we leave behind, not just to you, but to your children and to your grandchildren. As a president, as a father and as an American, I’m here to say we need to act.”

Obama confirmed he will impose the first limits on greenhouse gas emissions from new and existing power plants. The move will not require congressional approval, meaning Obama can bypass expected Republican-led opposition. Obama also outlined a broad range of measures to protect coastlines and cities from rising sea levels, and vowed to promote the development of renewable energy. And in what some interpreted as an indication he plans to reject the Keystone XL oil pipeline, Obama said the project will be decided by its “net effects” on global warming.

President Obama: “Allowing the Keystone pipeline to be built requires a finding that doing so would be in our nation’s interest. And our national interest will be served only if this project does not significantly exacerbate the problem of carbon pollution. The net effects of the pipeline’s impact on our climate will be absolutely critical to determining whether this project is allowed to go forward.”