President Biden’s speech at the UN General Assembly included warnings of extreme weather impacts resulting from the climate crisis, the warnings from scientists, the U.S. goals to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and net zero emission by 2050, and the need for every nation to bring its highest possible ambitions to the table at COP26.
In response, Janet Redman, Greenpeace USA Climate Campaign Director said:
“President Biden was clear in his remarks at the UN General Assembly today – every nation needs to bring its highest possible ambitions to fight climate change. For the U.S., that starts with Congress making sure that the Build Back Better Act fulfills Biden’s promise of a clean energy future and an end to the age of oil. We can set the global standard by ending all fossil fuel subsidies. Moving billions of dollars to Global South countries to aid in the adaptation to a warming world and catalyze the shift to renewable energy would sustain both communities and the planet.
“For years, the U.S. has propped up Big Oil at home and around the world, perpetuating the industry’s false choice between a thriving economy and a healthy planet. If this administration cares as much about the fate of the world as President Biden claims, he must underscore to leaders in Congress that eliminating handouts to fossil fuel CEOs is a top priority. Investment in a global clean energy transition that creates millions of good-paying jobs and a commitment to human rights and labor protections is our best chance at survival.”
###
