January, 26 2021, 11:00pm EDT
Earth Day Summit Signals US Serious About Working with World Leaders to Address Climate Crisis
Statement by Dr. Rachel Cleetus, Union of Concerned Scientists
WASHINGTON
Just a week after formally requesting to rejoin the Paris climate agreement, the Biden administration has announced the United States will host a world leaders' summit on April 22--which is both Earth Day and the fifth anniversary of the signing ceremony of the Paris Agreement.
Below is a statement by Dr. Rachel Cleetus, policy director and lead economist for the Climate and Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Dr. Cleetus has attended the U.N.'s international climate talks and partnered with the international community on climate and energy policies for more than 14 years.
"A U.S.-hosted climate summit sends a positive signal that the Biden administration is serious about working together with the international community to address the worsening climate crisis and will help build momentum on climate action in the lead-up to the U.N. climate talks in Glasgow this November.
"As one of the largest emitters of global warming pollution, it's imperative the United States comes to the Earth Day summit with a robust 2030 commitment that outlines how it will drastically curb carbon emissions nationwide. Likewise, the United States must deliver on providing funding for developing countries as they transition toward a clean energy future and cope with the impacts of climate change. With today's announcement that the Biden administration has begun the process of developing the U.S. contribution to global climate action, the nation and the world will be looking for ambition.
"In addition to the climate summit announcement, the Biden administration also released an executive order affirming the United States will prioritize climate change in all international engagement with other nations, including via the G7, G20, as part of trade agreements, and in the U.N. Security Council. Under John Kerry's leadership as part of the national security council, the markedly positive change in the U.S. posture on international climate issues will no doubt be welcomed by the global community. The urgency is palpable as our choices over the next decade will greatly dictate our ability to meet the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and stave off the worst climate impacts."
More information on what a Biden presidency means for climate action can be found here.
For more on what needs to happen in the lead up to the U.N. climate talks in Glasgow (COP26), click here.
To arrange an interview with Dr. Cleetus, please contact UCS Senior Communications Officer Ashley Siefert Nunes.
The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices.
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Yesterday, @USUN brought together humanitarian leaders to discuss solutions to the global food insecurity crisis.
Hunger is a man-made tragedy. But if it caused by man, that means it can be stopped by us, too.
Every human being, everywhere, has the right to food. pic.twitter.com/zczlerRHEc
— Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield (@USAmbUN) December 10, 2024
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