Sunday, November 17

The Importance of President Biden's Leadership Climate Summit

By: Ramón Cruz

In their first 100 days in office, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have made revitalizing the economy a priority while addressing the two most existential crises of our generation, the climate crisis and the devastation caused by the COVID – 19. In doing so, they have brought together 40 heads of state at the Climate Leaders Summit to emphasize the urgency and benefits of a global commitment to address the climate emergency.

With the Summit, Biden is focused on returning the United States to a position of global leadership on climate matters, something that was sorely lacking under the last administration.

The Summit is not only about international cooperation to tackle the climate crisis; it’s also about clean energy, high-paying union jobs, and reducing dangerous pollution right here at home. As Biden makes it clear to the international community that the US is back and taking a leadership position on international climate action, he is also making commitments to all of the communities in this country.

The president has made strong commitments to rebuild our economy and put people back to work.

To ensure the necessary international agreements to adequately face the crisis We must be the spearhead that takes action at home to accelerate the transition to clean energy while reducing the pollution that exacerbates climate change and while protecting our health and that of our communities.

Biden’s plan for our country – reduce emissions between 50 and 52 percent for 2030 – will put electricians, carpenters, and builders to work in well-paying jobs here at home. This new goal nearly doubles the previous US commitment and sends a strong signal to the rest of the world that the US is ready to take the lead once again.

International cooperation on climate change will bring economic opportunities throughout the country. We need that opportunity now as we recover from the economic collapse and the coronavirus pandemic.

We urge our leaders and elected officials to follow in President Biden’s footsteps. The table is ready to take action in favor of the climate. As a nation and as a planet, we cannot miss this opportunity. The time to act is now.