Status: 04/23/2021 9:29 p.m.
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The fight against climate change creates jobs – that was the central message of US President Biden. It was also addressed to the skeptics in the United States. Praise went to Moscow.
From Claudia Sarre,
ARD-Studio Washington
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“This summit is a beginning” – this is how US President Joe Biden summed up the results of his virtual climate summit so far. It is the first step before the UN climate meeting in Glasgow in November. A beginning to get all nations on the way to a “prosperous and sustainable future”, said Biden.
Claudia Sarre
ARD-Studio Washington
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Yesterday, the majority of the 40 heads of state and government agreed that harmful greenhouse gases must be reduced as quickly and as drastically as possible.
Biden emphasizes the odds
The second day of the summit was more about how the whole thing should happen, what economic opportunities it offers and what technical innovations are necessary.
Biden never tired of repeating the possibilities he sees in the fight against climate change. “This is an opportunity to create millions of well-paying jobs in innovative industries. Jobs that bring better quality of life and human dignity to every nation.”
The domestic political perspective
So environmental protection without sacrificing economic development. With this argument, the US President not only wants to get the other states on board, but rather to convince his domestic opponents – the Republicans.
For many conservatives in the USA, climate protection, such as the exit from the coal industry, is still a job killer. Biden’s message: The expansion of renewable energies is a great opportunity for economic growth.
“When we invest in climate resilience and infrastructure, we create new opportunities for everyone,” said Biden. He also emphasized the importance of science and research in order to develop clean and innovative energies.
Biden praises Putin
The US President was particularly pleased with the accommodating Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on the climate issue. Putin had only agreed to attend the climate summit a few days ago.
I was very impressed with President Putin’s speech yesterday. On his willingness to work together to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The US looks forward to working with Russia and other countries.
Lack of willpower?
John Kerry, the US climate commissioner, had previously announced investments of historic proportions to offset the global effects of climate change. However, in some nations it was not a lack of ability, but rather a lack of willpower, to make a difference, Kerry noted.
Back in the climate team
The US has undoubtedly taken on a leadership role again in the fight against climate change. In the next nine years, the US government intends to cut its greenhouse gases by half. So far, however, this has only been a declaration of intent.
Whether President Biden can keep this promise will become clear in 2030 at the latest.
Virtual climate summit ends
Claudia Sarre, ARD Washington, April 23, 2021 8:10 p.m.
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