In his speech at the commencement of the Paris climate change conference, President Obama acknowledged the unparalleled threat posed by global warming and expressed the United States’ commitment to cooperative climate action. As the world’s second largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), the United States bears special responsibility in the global effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change. While measurable progress has been made, and the U.S. is on track to meet its goal set at the 2009 Copenhagen conference, American refusal to submit to a binding treaty is cause for concern.
The United States has pledged to reduce GHG emissions by 26-28% from 2005 levels by the year 2025. The realization of U.S. commitments is supported by climate-friendly policies, like limiting the carbon pollution emitted by power plants, establishing energy efficiency standards for appliances, equipment and federal buildings, and investing in clean energy. In the lead of up to these momentous talks, American rejection of the Keystone XL signaled a firm commitment to change.
Despite genuine U.S. efforts to systemically reduce emissions, Secretary of State John Kerry announced that any agreement is “definitively not going to be a treaty.” As noted in President Obama’s address, the window for effective climate action is rapidly closing, and we simply cannot afford to miss this opportunity. Firm political will is necessary to meet the challenges posed by climate change. A legally binding agreement would provide mechanism for accountability and promote forward progress.
The Paris climate talks constitute the single most important environmental event of the year, and an incredible opportunity to alter our current course. To achieve measurable results, effective policies must be supported by accountability and unwavering commitment.
See more at:
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/79daf872-8894-11e5-90de-f44762bf9896.html#axzz3t1nZ25O0
http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/files/paris-climate-conference-US-IB.pdf
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