‘We Need to Be Bold,’ Biden Says, Taking the First Steps in a Major Shift in Climate Policy Environmental justice, scientific integrity, climate’s threat to national security and weaning off fossil fuels. It’s a big agenda and an emphatic rejection of the last four years. January 28, 2021 President Joe Biden prepares to sign executive orders after speaking about climate change issues in the State Dining Room of the White House on January 27, 2021 in Washington, DC. Credit: Anna Moneymaker-Pool/Getty Images Related Share this article The sweeping executive orders that President Joe Biden signed on Wednesday will not, by themselves, cut greenhouse gas emissions.