Today, President Obama gave his first real speech on climate change.

Apparently, he surprised everyone with his sweeping measures, and his “line in the sand” on the Keystone XL pipeline, saying he won’t approve it if it would significantly increase climate pollution. His plan includes new spending on renewable technologies, and he encouraged divestment in fossil fuels.

“The question is now whether we will have the courage to act before it is too late,” Mr. Obama said.

I wish it had come sooner, but I understand the reasons behind the delay. It was political reality. At least now, there are some bold steps in the right direction.

Like the President, I only hope it is not too late.

I did this watercolor illustration for my Nevada Wildlife Project. It shows some of the small creatures that live in meadow habitat around the city of Reno.What will happen to these animals in the coming decades?

Read the coverage in the New York Times.

Read the coverage in National Geographic

See what 350.org has to say.

Read the transcript of the speech.

What do you think?