Washington, DC – Foreign Policy for America calls today for continued urgent climate action in light of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) landmark report in which leading global climate experts assert that “it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land.” Even the most severe cuts in carbon emissions will not prevent global warming, but without dramatic cuts, average temperatures will rise even faster than predicted. The report makes clear that the world needs drastic and immediate climate action at the national and international level to avoid the worst scenarios.
Climate change is a critical factor in nearly every foreign policy challenge the United States faces, from migration and conflict to international investment and trade opportunities, to global health and food security, and leading the fight against climate change must be a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. As the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP26) approaches, the Biden administration must build on the climate leadership that was demonstrated at the U.S.-convened Leaders Summit on Climate in April and embrace even more ambitious targets. Additionally, policymakers have to consider the role of climate change in all facets of foreign policy decisions, and further account for climate harm reduction as a key component of policymaking.
“Today’s report is an urgent reminder that we are running out of time to prevent a global catastrophe,” said Ben Weingrod, Senior Director of Policy at Foreign Policy for America. “The current moment calls for ambitious policy action and investments by the U.S. both at home and abroad, and we call on the United States to support an aggressive agenda at COP26.”
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