Joe Biden arrived Friday, November 11 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt for COP27. Three days after the midterm elections that saw the Democratic camp resist against Republican opposition, the American president presented his $370 billion climate investment plan, the biggest check for the environment never signed in the United States. A colossal plan, equivalent to 1.5% of the country’s GDP, which will allow it to achieve its objectives of reducing its emissions by at least half by 2030, assured Mr. Biden.
In a speech, he called for additional efforts to ” all countries “ in terms of climate. “At this meeting, we must renew and raise our climate ambitions. The United States has acted, everyone must act, it is the responsibility of global leadership”he said during a short appearance at the international summit, assuring that the United States was doing its part in this fight to limit global warming. “To win this fight, each country among the main emitters must align itself with + 1.5°C”he added in this speech interrupted for a few seconds by activists against fossil fuels.
Time is running out as greenhouse gas emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels, of which the United States is the world’s largest producer and consumer, will once again reach record highs in 2022, according to a report by reference published on Friday.
The Paris climate agreement aims to limit warming to well below +2°C compared to the pre-industrial era, if possible to +1.5°C. The text provides for shared responsibility, but “differentiated” depending on the country. However, developing countries regularly remind developed countries of their responsibility for emissions, asking them to do more.
Expected on aid to the poorest countries
The American president was also expected on the subject of financial solidarity with the most disadvantaged countries, the most affected by climate change. Washington has so far not honored its commitments as part of the promise of rich countries to provide 100 billion dollars in funding per year to the poorest, to fight against emissions and adapt to climate change.
President Biden had committed to a contribution of 11.4 billion by 2024. A promise that a future Republican majority could block. On Friday, Mr. Biden did not return to this commitment. “We will press for the passage of the appropriation bills”told Agence France-Presse Kathy Castor, Democratic chair of the House’s special committee on the climate crisis. “The President’s commitment to be a partner and supportive throughout the world is clear. He was consistent on this point.his climate adviser, Ali Zaidi, told reporters.
As climate disasters – droughts affecting crops, heat waves, mega-fires, floods – multiply across the world, the countries most affected are now calling for funds for the “loss and damage” suffered. On Wednesday, at COP27, the American special envoy for the climate, John Kerry, wanted to step over the question by assuring that“no government in the world has the money” to put on the table “billions” necessary, and that means must therefore be found to enlist the private sector.