The United States (US) Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry met with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans, and the College of Commissioners in Brussels on Tuesday to discuss transatlantic cooperation with the bloc on climate change.
In a joint statement released shortly after their meetings, the leaders reaffirmed their support to work together to deal with the climate crisis and outlined the steps that they would take to ensure the success of the next UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), which is scheduled to be held in Glasgow from November 1-12, 2021. Kerry told reporters that the summit was “the last, best opportunity that we have and the best hope that the world will come together and build on [the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference agreement reached in] Paris.” He also argued that the Paris climate deal was not enough to tackle the issue of global warming, noting that even if all parties abided by the terms of the agreement, the world would still see warming of 3.7 degrees or more.
To this end, the leaders called on all nations to “take the necessary steps to keep a 1.5-degree Celsius temperature limit within reach, including through commitments to net zero emissions by 2050, specific net-zero strategies, and ambitious nationally determined contributions.” The US has committed to zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and is expected to announce its national 2030 target before its Leaders’ Climate Summit on April 22.
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU), which is looking to be a leader in the fight against climate change has pledged to reach climate neutrality by 2050 under its European Green Deal action plan, which also envisions the “efficient use of resources” by moving to a clean, circular economy, as well as the restoration of biodiversity and reduced pollution levels. According to the joint release, the bloc also intends to increase its 2030 climate ambitions by cutting its emissions by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels, which will be facilitated by its ‘Fit for 55’ climate legislation expected to be tabled in June.
Apart from government-led efforts, the leaders also highlighted the importance of private sector involvement “to mobilize the investment and transformative mitigation and adaptation technologies needed to stem the climate crisis,” stressing that the challenge posed by climate change cannot be met without close cooperation. “We are heartened by the countless youth and other citizens who are joining in the climate effort and holding leaders accountable for the well-being of our planet and future generations,” they added.
US, EU Commit to Closer Cooperation on Climate Change
US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry met with EU officials to discuss transatlantic cooperation on climate issues.
March 11, 2021
US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, and Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans. SOURCE: THE NATIONAL