James McCarthy, head of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), speaking on the eve of the group's annual meeting in Chicago, warned that Barack Obama has just four years to save the planet. "We have a moment right now of extraordinary opportunity, with a new president, positioned with scientific leadership that has known no equal in recent times," he told BBC News. "If in his first term, in the next four years, we don't make significant progress in these areas, then I think the planet is in huge trouble. Without US leadership, which has been sorely lacking, we will not get to where we need to be." (BBC News, Feb. 12)

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