Biden says U.S. has “overwhelming obligations” against climate change

At the United Nations summit on Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden acknowledged that the United States and other energy-producers countries hold a big responsibility for climate change and the action taken this last few years to stop climate change will be crucial in preventing future generations from misery. 

“None of us can escape the worst that is yet to come if we fail to seize this moment,” Biden declared.

Rather than focusing on the already visible crises affecting the planet — such as floods, volatile weather patterns, droughts, and wildfires — the president defined them as an opportunity to reinvent the global economy. He also attempted to portray the enormous costs of limiting emissions from coal, oil, and natural gas as an opportunity to create jobs through the transition to renewable energy and electric cars.

Nonetheless, he apologized for former President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, as well as for the role that the United States and other developed countries played in contributing to climate change in general. “I shouldn’t apologize, but I do apologize for the fact the United States, the last administration, pulled out of the Paris Accords and put us sort of behind the eight ball a little bit.”

According to Biden, “those of us who are responsible for much of the deforestation and all of the problems we have so far” have “overwhelming obligations” to the developing world, which contribute for only a small proportion of global emissions but are paying a high price as the planet heats up.

Biden also announced he would work with Congress to provide $3 billion annually to help poorer countries and communities cope with climate change.

“We’ll demonstrate to the world the United States is not only back at the table, but hopefully leading by the power of our example,” Biden said. “I know it hasn’t been the case, and that’s why my administration is working overtime to show that our climate commitment is action, not words.”

On Monday, the Biden administration unveiled its plan to make the US 100% renewable by 2050. Under the long-term plan, the world’s largest economy would be powered by wind, solar, and other clean energy sources. More Americans would use electric cars and public transit. Modern technology and preserved open areas could absorb CO2.