Climate politics: The first cut

For the first time, the US Congress has begun crafting comprehensive legislation to tackle global warming. Naturebrought together five experts with various backgrounds to discuss the current political climate as the United States moves towards mandatory emissions caps. A full transcript of this discussion can be downloaded here .

Striking a balance: from left, Jonathan Pershing, Julian Braithwaite and Jason Grumet. Credit: M. TEMCHINE

"Scientists need to speak out very clearly on the exact details of what the policies are." ? Michael MacCracken Credit: M. TEMCHINE

"The US needs to take advantage of the learning curve that Europe has experienced." ? Jim Rogers Credit: M. NGAN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Power struggle: legislation to curb US emissions will need to strike a political compromise. Credit: S. WALSH/AP

Julian Braithwaite: in an ideal world, scientists shouldn't have to be advocates. Credit: M. TEMCHINE

See also our Climate politics special, and take the quiz: What every president should know Credit: M-H Jeeves