Joe Biden took the stage at Cop27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, where he lauded the US’ recent action on the climate crisis and call upon other countries to do more to avert dangerous global heating.
NCEJ
The US president missed the gathering of other world leaders at the start of the climate talks due to the midterm elections back home, which have gone better than expected for the Democrats.
“The climate crisis is about human security, economic security, environmental security, national security, and the very life of the planet.”
“Today I’d like to share with you how the US is meeting the challenge of the climate crisis.”
He says: “We re-joined the Paris climate agreement,”. “I apologize we ever pulled out of the agreement!”
He is listing some of the environmental achievements in the US since he took office. “After the past two years the US has delivered unprecedented progress at home, upgraded power the grid, expanded public transit and rail, building EV charging stations.”
“And this summer the US congress passed the biggest and most important climate bill in the history of our country, the inflation reduction act.”
“This will unleash a new era of clean energy and economic growth,” says Biden. “It’s going to spark a cycle of innovation to improve the performance of clean energy technology that will be available to nations worldwide, not just in the US. It will accelerate decarbonization beyond our borders. It will shift the paradigm from the US to the rest of the world.”
Biden is reflecting on his own long journey of trying to get climate legislation passed.
“I introduced the first piece of climate legislation to US Senate in 1986, and my commitment to this issue has been unwavering. Today, I can stand as president of the US and can say with confidence we will meet our emission reduction targets by 2030.”
“We’re going to fight to see our climate objectives are fully funded,” says Biden.
He announced new support of $100m for adaptation. There will be support for early warning systems in Africa, for strengthening food security, and supporting a new training center in Egypt to transition to renewables across the continent.
“I know this has been a difficult few years,” says Biden. “The interconnected challenges we face seem all consuming.” He blames Russia for energy spikes and costs. “Against this backdrop it’s more important than ever to double down on our climate commitments.”
He urged the audience: “Let’s build on global climate progress. The science is devastatingly clear; we need to make vital progress by the end of this decade.”
He talked about the urgent need to reduce methane. “Cutting methane by at least 30% by 2030 can be our best chance to keep in reach of the 1.5C target.”
Biden says there will now be new regulations on methane in US. “All told these steps will reduce US methane emissions from cover sources by 87% below 2005 levels by 2030.”
He spoke about the natural world and land use. “Forests are more valuable when they are preserved than destroyed.” He called for a slowdown in deforestation.
“Folks, it’s going to take all of us.”
“If we are to win this fight, we can no longer plead ignorance to consequence of actions and repeat our mistakes,” Biden told the summit.
“If we can accelerate actions on these game changers, we can reach our goal. But to permanently bend the emissions curve, every nation must step up. The US has acted, everyone has to act, it’s a duty and responsibility of global leadership.”
He paid tribute to the young people who campaign on this. “Young people feel the urgency of the climate crisis and feel it deeply. They won’t allow us to fail.”
“Let’s reach out and take the future into our hands. A planet preserved, a more equitable, prosperous world for our children, that is why we are here, that is what we are working towards. I’m confident we can do it. Thank you, and may God bless you all.”
Source:
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