Email subscribers and twitter followers were most positive about President Obama’s impact on the world stage

By Megan Darby

As Barack Obama bids farewell to the White House, we asked what you thought of his record when it comes to climate change.

A round 100 of you responded to a short survey and others got in touch by email. You were overwhelmingly positive about his impact, particularly on the world stage.

Look out for our three part analysis of Obama’s climate legacy next week.

On his most significant legacy, the relationship with China loomed large, as you can see from this word cloud.

“Driving the momentum behind the Paris agreement by building bridges with China,” was a typical response. “Continually pushing the ‘green growth’ and jobs agenda to justify climate legislation,” said another.

Restrictions on coal power and Arctic oil drilling were also up there, as was the 2016 deal to phase down potent warming HFC gases.

Asked about the biggest missed opportunity of Obama’s 8-year tenure, you had a wide range of views.

Many lamented his failure to drive through a carbon tax or market. Related to that were complaints he left everything to the second term, squandered an early Democrat House majority and did not muster any Republican support.

Readers variously disagreed with his support for shale gas, bioethanol and nuclear energy. If you’ve got a view on Obama’s climate impact – tweet us @ClimateHome or leave a message below the line.