Leading article: From the grassroots to a green revolution

Who would have believed that Arnie "The Terminator" Schwarzenegger would be in the business of saving the real world? As Governor of California, however, he has thrust his way into the vanguard of US efforts to tackle climate change, after securing a landmark agreement on carbon emissions. The cross-party accord will give California the most rigorous legislation on cutting greenhouse gases anywhere in the world.

It was no more than coincidence, of course, that the announcement came as hundreds of people were encamped around the giant Drax power station in north Yorkshire in preparation for yesterday's day of "creative mass action". One of the most symbolic demonstrations in Britain for years launched a campaign for the closure of the largest coal-fired power station, as this country's largest single source of carbon dioxide. Drax produces around 7 per cent of our electricity.

Tenuous it may seem, but there is a direct connection between the protest in north Yorkshire and the promise of new legislation 5,000 miles away. The Governor of California did not alight on the need to combat global warming spontaneously and completely off his own bat. It was not something that was anywhere near the top of his agenda when he campaigned for election. No, the Terminator has adopted the cause, brokered the agreement and then claimed it as his own because this epitome of a populist politician has been convinced that environmental responsibility is a vote winner. And so, to judge by their support, have his opponents.

As a state that depends on the car and an extensive network of motorways, California might not seem the obvious place for an elected government to try out regulations that might have the effect of cramping the voters' gas-guzzling and air-conditioned style. But this widespread image of California as a state of energy-wastrels is a good way behind the times. After the Enron-induced power cuts of 2000-2001, and with fuel prices at record levels, energy is not something the state can afford to take for granted.

Also often underestimated is the grassroots American enthusiasm for the natural world that finds expression in the system of national parks: California boasts some of the most majestic landscapes in the country. And the Pacific states, California included, have been at the forefront of the organic food movement. A programme to cut carbon emissions was the next logical step - and something that could not depend on private initiative.

The good news is that, in agreeing serious measures to tackle climate change, California - the richest and most populous US state - could be blazing a trail. While George Bush rejected the Kyoto treaty in one of his first acts as President, and the chances of getting the treaty ratified by Congress have been regarded from the outset as nil, local officials, pressed by concerned voters, have been agitating from below. The issue of climate change is making itself felt politically in state legislatures other than California's. It will also feature in many congressional election campaigns this autumn.

Given the momentum that is building, it is possible that, even before its time is up, the Bush administration could find itself on the wrong side of the climate change debate. In Britain, by contrast, progress seems to have stalled. A supposedly green-tinged government is failing to meet its obligations, on carbon emissions, as on waste disposal and much else. The response of the electricity producers' supremo to the protest at Drax was that change was in train, but would be achieved "in years, not days". Such nonchalance on the part of officialdom is why direct action has its place. Top down, or from the grassroots up, there are two sides to a green revolution.

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