Final answer:
President Obama faced significant opposition from Congress which prevented him from enacting early policies to combat global warming. This political resistance is indicative of the challenges presidents often encounter when attempting to implement their legislative agendas due to partisan gridlock.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Obama's early months in office were characterized by significant challenges, including political opposition that hindered his ability to implement policies to combat global warming. Despite Obama's determination, his administration faced a Congress that was deeply divided, where Republicans held control of the House of Representatives and had a strengthened ability to block legislation through various means such as filibusters. This legislative resistance was reflective of the blocking by Congress, which can significantly impact a president's ability to enact their policy agenda.
These difficulties in getting climate change legislation passed weren't solely an issue for Obama. Preceding administrations, particularly that of President Bush, also faced controversy over environmental policies and actions on global warming. The result of Bush's administration, as it pertains to environmental policy, was a marked lack of action on recognizing the role of human activity in climate change, leading to the suppression of scientific reports and a general distrust of science that polarized the political landscape. Obama's legislative struggles further underscore the historical pattern of presidents facing obstacles in implementing their agendas due to partisan gridlock and resistance from Congress when attempting to pass significant legislation.