DESCRIPTION
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:37 PM
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm honored to represent the United States at this
crucial United Nations Conference on Climate Change. With a vast area
and a population exceeding 334 million people, the United States is
committed to taking proactive steps to combat climate change. We've
achieved an impressive 25% reduction in carbon emissions since 2005,
thanks to investments in renewables and sustainable practices.
Additionally, we've restored 1 million square kilometers of forested land
through afforestation projects, demonstrating our unwavering
commitment to environmental conservation. In the spirit of global cp
RESEARCH] Page 1
CARBON EMMISON
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:37 PM
The approximate annual greenhouse gas emissions of the United States are 6,340 million
metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
This number is based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Inventory of
U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2021.
The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United
States, followed by the electricity sector and the industrial sector.
The EPA is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the United States through a
variety of programs and initiatives, including the Clean Power Plan, the Renewable Fuel
Standard, and the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program.
The United States has also made commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
under the Paris Agreement, an international agreement to combat climate change.
RESEARCH] Page 2
PLAN TO REDUCE CARBON EMMISON
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:38 PM
The United States has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by
2050. To achieve these goals, the United States has developed a number
of strategies and commitments, including:
• Investing in clean energy: The United States is investing heavily in
clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, and nuclear
power. The Biden administration has set a goal to deploy 30
gigawatts of solar and wind power capacity annually by 2030.
• Improving energy efficiency: The United States is working to improve
energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industry. The Biden
administration has set a goal to reduce energy consumption in
buildings by 50% by 2030.
• Electrifying transportation: The United States is working to electrify
the transportation sector by setting ambitious fuel economy
standards for cars and trucks and investing in electric vehicle
charging infrastructure. The Biden administration has set a goal for
half of all new car sales to be electric vehicles by 2030.
• Reducing methane emissions: The United States is working to reduce
methane emissions from the oil and gas sector and agriculture. The
Biden administration has joined the Global Methane Pledge to
reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
• Protecting forests: Forests play a vital role in absorbing carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere. The United States is working to protect
and restore forests through programs such as the Reforestation Trust
Fund and the Forest Service's Collaborative Forest Landscape
Restoration Program.
In addition to these domestic strategies, the United States is also working
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions internationally. The United States is
the second-largest donor to the Green Climate Fund, which provides
financial assistance to developing countries to reduce their emissions and
adapt to the impacts of climate change. The United States is also working
with other countries to develop and implement international agreements
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as the Paris Agreement.
The United States is committed to taking bold action on climate change.
By implementing the strategies and commitments outlined above, the
United States can significantly reduce carbon emissions and build a
cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
EFFORTS TO STOP DEFORRESTATION
RESEARCH] Page 3
EFFORTS TO STOP DEFORRESTATION
The United States has a number of efforts in place to address
deforestation and protect its forests. These efforts include:
• Domestic laws and regulations: The United States has a number of
laws and regulations in place to protect forests, including the
Endangered Species Act, the Wilderness Act, the Clean Air Act, and
the Clean Water Act. These laws help to protect forests from
development, pollution, and other threats.
• Forest management practices: The United States Forest Service
(USFS) manages over 193 million acres of national forests and
grasslands. The USFS uses a variety of sustainable forest
management practices, such as selective logging and prescribed
burning, to protect forests and enhance their health and
productivity.
• Forest restoration programs: The USFS and other agencies work to
restore forests that have been damaged by fire, pests, and other
disturbances. Restoration efforts include planting trees, removing
invasive plants, and improving forest health.
• International cooperation: The United States works with other
countries to reduce deforestation and protect forests around the
world. For example, the United States is a partner in the Reducing
Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+)
program, which provides financial assistance to developing countries
to reduce their deforestation emissions.
The United States has made significant progress in reducing
deforestation. Between 2000 and 2010, the United States lost an average
of 4 million acres of forest per year. However, between 2010 and 2020,
the United States lost an average of only 1.7 million acres of forest per
year. This represents a 58% reduction in deforestation rates.
Despite this progress, deforestation remains a challenge in the United
States. The USFS estimates that the United States loses about 1 million
acres of forest per year to development. Forest loss is particularly high in
the southeastern United States, where forests are being converted to
agriculture and urban development.
The United States is committed to addressing deforestation and
protecting its forests. The Biden administration has set a goal of
conserving 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. The administration is
also working to reduce deforestation in other countries through the
REDD+ program and other initiatives.
By implementing these efforts, the United States can continue to make
progress in reducing deforestation and protecting its forests.
COMMITMENT OF AFFORSTRATION
The United States has a commitment to afforestation and increasing
RESEARCH] Page 4
The United States has a commitment to afforestation and increasing
forest cover, although it is not explicitly stated in the search results. Here
are some key points that highlight the country's efforts in this area:
• The U.S. Forest Service works with partners in dozens of countries
around the world on a wide range of conservation issues, including
those related to climate change**2**.
• The U.S. has set aside protected areas like national forests and
grasslands to address deforestation and protect timber supplies,
water supplies, rich forest resources, and habitat for native wildlife**
2**.
• The U.S. is facing challenges such as population growth, urban
expansion in wildlands, and the conversion of forests to developed
uses, which could lead to a net forest loss of up to 15 million hectares
by 2060**2**.
• The U.S. has a history of creating sound structures of governance for
managing forests sustainably on both public and private land**2**.
• The U.S. is a signatory to the New York Declaration on Forests and
the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests and Land Use, which
aim to reverse the loss of forest cover worldwide through sustainable
forest management, including protection, restoration, afforestation,
and reforestation**34**.
• The U.S. has a goal to promote the implementation of sustainable
management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore
degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and
reforestation globally by 2020, as part of the UN Strategic Plan for
Forests 2017-2030**4**.
• The U.S. has been working on policies and programs to strengthen
the resilience and adaptive capacity of all types of forests to natural
disasters and the impacts of climate change worldwide**4**.
• The U.S. has a commitment to address climate change and achieve
net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, which may involve
afforestation and other nature-based solutions to sequester carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere**1**.
While the specific details of the U.S.'s commitment to afforestation and
increasing forest cover are not provided in the search results, these
points demonstrate the country's overall dedication to sustainable forest
management and conservation.
RESEARCH] Page 5
FININCIAL PLEDGE
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:39 PM
The United States is willing to pledge a significant amount to
global climate change initiatives. Here are some key figures that
highlight the country's financial commitments:
• In 2022, the United States pledged $600.8 million over the
next four years to support the eighth replenishment of the
Global Environment Facility (GEF), which is the country's
largest GEF pledge ever**1**.
• In its Fiscal Year 2023 Budget, the Biden-Harris Administration
has requested $150.2 million for the GEF as the first of four
planned installments for the U.S. contribution to GEF-8**1**.
• President Biden has committed to quadrupling U.S. climate
finance to over $11 billion a year by 2024, which is in support
of the goal of mobilizing $100 billion to help developing
countries take climate action**56**.
• The U.S. is also seeking to use public finance in new and
innovative ways to unlock larger pools of capital that will be
required to tackle the climate crisis, in support of the
Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment**5**.
• Additionally, President Biden has announced a doubling of the
U.S. pledge to the Adaptation Fund to $100 million and over
$150 million in new initiatives at COP27 to strengthen U.S.
leadership in tackling climate change**5**.
RESEARCH] Page 6
HISTORICAL APPEAL
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:39 PM
The United States has been involved in various climate agreements and past
climate-related efforts. Here is a summary of its historical involvement:
• In 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which
committed all nations to take action and laid the foundation for future
agreements**3**.
• The United States ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, which set
emission targets for developed countries. However, the protocol did
not compel developing countries, including major carbon emitters like
China and India, to take action**2**.
• In 2015, the United States played a significant role in the adoption of
the Paris Agreement, the first global treaty to explicitly address climate
change. The agreement aims to reduce global greenhouse gas
emissions and provides a framework for ratcheting up ambition in the
future**1**.
• Under the Obama administration, the United States pledged to reduce
its greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025**6
**.
• In 2017, former President Donald Trump announced the United States'
withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, making it the only country to do
so. However, President Joe Biden reentered the United States into the
agreement during his first months in office**2**.
• The United States has made various efforts to address climate change,
including securing historic investments to support climate-smart
agriculture, forestry, and rural development, and launching the
America the Beautiful challenge to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and
waters by 2030**4**.
• The U.S. government is currently working to put the country on a path
to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and to achieve the global goal on
adaptation**5**.
RESEARCH] Page 7
CURRENT CLIMATE POLICIES
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:40 PM
• State-level climate policies: Twenty-four states plus the District of Columbia
•
•
•
•
have adopted specific greenhouse gas reduction targets to address climate
change. These states have implemented a wide range of policies, including
carbon pricing, emission limits, renewable portfolio standards, and steps to
promote cleaner transportation[2].
Federal funding for energy efficiency: The U.S. government has provided
federal funding to make homes more energy efficient, which helps combat
climate change by lowering the use of energy derived from fossil fuels[3].
U.S. Army's climate strategy: The Army released its first climate strategy in
February, an effort to brace the service for a world beset by global-warmingdriven conflicts. This strategy is part of the Defense Department's broader
efforts to address climate change, as it accounts for 56 percent of the federal
government’s carbon footprint and 52 percent of its electricity use[3].
Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment: The United States is
using public finance in new and innovative ways to unlock larger pools of
capital required to tackle the climate crisis. This effort includes launching
activities in two pilot countries, Colombia and Rwanda, with an initial total
investment of $1 billion[5].
Rejoining the Paris Agreement: On his first day in office, President Biden
rejoined the international Paris Agreement on climate change and held the
Leaders Summit on Climate in April 2021. U.S. engagement in international
climate policy was also evident at COP26 and COP27[6].
RESEARCH] Page 8
DATA AND STACISTICS
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:41 PM
• Deforestation rates: According to Global Forest Watch, the United States lost
•
•
•
•
1.86 million hectares of natural forest in 2022, equivalent to 663 million metric
tons of CO2 emissions[1].
Greenhouse gas emissions and removals: A report by the US Forest Service
Research and Development shows that the United States emitted 5,130 million
metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2019, with 11% coming from the forestry
sector. The report also shows that the forestry sector removed 761 million
metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2019[2].
CO2 emissions from deforestation for food production: Our World in Data
reports that the United States emitted 0.2 metric tons of CO2 per capita from
deforestation for food production in 2017[3].
Forest carbon data: A report by the Congressional Research Service shows that
the United States had a net carbon sink in forests and harvested wood
products of 761 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2021. The report also
shows that afforestation and deforestation activities can impact forest carbon
stocks[4].
Afforestation efforts: PwC reports that afforestation can help protect bare
ground from soil erosion, flooding, and sequester carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere. Well-managed afforestation can provide jobs, income from the
sale of high-value timber products, social benefits, and carbon emission
reductions. PwC has announced a worldwide science-based commitment to
reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and supports carbon offset
projects such as the Teak Afforestation project in Mexico[5].
RESEARCH] Page 9
INTERNATIONAL COLABRATIONS
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:42 PM
The United States is involved in a number of international collaborations
and partnerships related to climate change. Some of these include:
• Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate (MEF): The MEF is a
group of 17 major economies that work together to advance climate
action and clean energy deployment. The MEF has been instrumental
in developing and implementing the Paris Agreement, and it
continues to play a leading role in global climate efforts.
• Mission Innovation: Mission Innovation is a global initiative of 25
countries and the European Union that are committed to
accelerating innovation in clean energy technologies. Mission
Innovation has helped to launch a number of new initiatives,
including the Breakthrough Energy Catalyst and the Clean Energy
Ministerial Innovation Challenge.
• Global Methane Initiative (GMI): The GMI is a voluntary partnership
of over 100 countries that work together to reduce methane
emissions. The GMI has helped to reduce methane emissions by over
40 million metric tons per year since its launch in 2004.
• Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate
Pollutants (CCAC): The CCAC is a global coalition of governments,
businesses, and civil society organizations that work together to
reduce short-lived climate pollutants, such as methane, black carbon,
and hydrofluorocarbons. The CCAC has helped to develop and
implement national and regional plans to reduce short-lived climate
pollutants.
• Green Climate Fund (GCF): The GCF is a global fund that provides
financial assistance to developing countries to reduce their
greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate
change. The United States is the second-largest donor to the GCF.
In addition to these multilateral initiatives, the United States also has a
number of bilateral partnerships with other countries on climate change.
For example, the United States and China have a joint working group on
climate change that meets regularly to discuss ways to cooperate on
reducing emissions and promoting clean energy. The United States also
has bilateral partnerships with other major emitters, such as India, Brazil,
and Indonesia.
The United States is also involved in a number of international climate
change research initiatives. For example, the United States is a member
RESEARCH] Page 10
change research initiatives. For example, the United States is a member
of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The United States
also supports climate change research through its own agencies, such as
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
The United States is committed to working with other countries to
address climate change. The international collaborations and
partnerships described above are essential to achieving this goal.
RESEARCH] Page 11
ECONOMICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTONS
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:42 PM
The United States has made significant advancements in green technology and
sustainable practices. These advancements have contributed to environmental
protection, job creation, and economic growth. Here are some highlights of the
economic and technological contributions of the USA in the field of green
technology and sustainable practices:
• Renewable Energy: The US has been investing in renewable energy
sources such as solar and wind power**2. This has helped to reduce
emissions and create jobs in the renewable energy sector2. The US is
also a leader in the development of energy storage technologies, which
are crucial for the integration of renewable energy into the grid1**.
• Green Infrastructure: The US has been implementing green infrastructure
projects to improve the sustainability of its cities and communities. These
projects include the construction of low-carbon buildings, the
development of smart grids, and the promotion of sustainable
transportation systems**1**.
• Waste Reduction and Recycling: The US has implemented various policies
and programs to reduce waste and promote recycling. These efforts have
helped to protect the natural environment, conserve resources, and
create jobs in the recycling industry**2**.
• Water Conservation: The US has been investing in water conservation
technologies and practices to ensure a sustainable water supply for its
citizens. These efforts include the development of water-efficient
irrigation systems, the promotion of water-saving appliances, and the
implementation of water reuse and recycling programs**1**.
• Eco-friendly Transportation: The US has been promoting the use of ecofriendly transportation options, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and public
transportation. The adoption of EVs helps to reduce emissions and
dependence on fossil fuels, while the expansion of public transportation
systems helps to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution**5**.
• Sustainable Agriculture: The US has been investing in sustainable
agriculture practices to ensure a stable and secure food supply for its
citizens. These practices include the use of organic fertilizers, the
promotion of crop rotation and cover cropping, and the development of
precision agriculture technologies**1**.
• Green Manufacturing: The US has been promoting the use of green
manufacturing practices to reduce the environmental impact of its
industries. These practices include the use of energy-efficient
technologies, the recycling and reuse of materials, and the development
of eco-friendly products**1**.
• Environmental Education and Awareness: The US has been investing in
environmental education and awareness programs to promote
RESEARCH] Page 12
environmental education and awareness programs to promote
sustainable practices among its citizens. These programs help to raise
awareness about the importance of environmental protection and provide
individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to make sustainable
choices**2**
RESEARCH] Page 13
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:42 PM
Climate change is impacting the United States in various ways, including:
• Economic impacts: Climate change can affect the economy through its
impact on natural resources, infrastructure, and the health and
productivity of the population[2]. For example, the cost of climate and
weather disasters in the United States in 2022 was more than $165 billion,
the third most costly year on record[2].
• Sea level rise: Global warming is causing global mean sea level to rise, and
many parts of the United States can expect their local rate and overall
amount of sea level rise to exceed the global average[3]. Projections for
U.S. sea level rise for the end of the century and beyond depend on
greenhouse gas emissions and how the major ice sheets respond to this
warming[3].
• Extreme weather events: Rising global average temperature is associated
with widespread changes in weather patterns, and scientific studies
indicate that extreme weather events such as heat waves and large
storms are likely to become more frequent or more intense with humaninduced climate change[4]. These events can have various impacts,
including increased illnesses and deaths, damage to property, and
disruption of essential services[4].
• Health impacts: Climate change, together with other natural and humanmade health stressors, influences human health and disease in numerous
ways[5]. Some existing health threats will intensify, and new health
threats will emerge. The health effects of climate change include
increased respiratory and cardiovascular disease, injuries and premature
deaths related to extreme weather events, changes in the prevalence and
geographical distribution of food- and water-borne illnesses and other
infectious diseases, and threats to mental health[5].Citations:
RESEARCH] Page 14
PUBLIC OPINION
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:43 PM
Public opinion and political dynamics regarding climate policies in the USA are
complex and varied. Here are some key points from the search results:
• Public opinion: A majority of Americans view climate change as a major
threat to the country's well-being, and many believe that the federal
government should do more to reduce the effects of global climate
change[1][5]. However, climate change is a lower priority for Americans
than other national issues such as strengthening the economy and
reducing healthcare costs[1]. There are also differences in public opinion
based on political affiliation, geography, and age[9][10].
• Political dynamics: Political obstacles can be as formidable as technical
ones when it comes to addressing climate change[11]. The Biden
administration has set ambitious climate goals and has proposed policies
to address climate change, but success is far from certain due to
opposition from Republicans and other political obstacles[4][6][10][12].
Many U.S. states have taken significant action on climate change in recent
years, despite federal policy gridlock and rollbacks[1][2][3]. However,
there are still obstacles to strong and effective climate policy within U.S.
states, including governance and institutional arrangements, media and
public opinion, and industry and interest group opposition[2][3].
• State-level climate action: Many U.S. states have adopted climate
policies, but policy efforts often fail to meet their emission reduction
targets[2]. State-level climate policy has shown great promise in the
context of federal obstruction or inaction, but significant obstacles
remain[3]. The USDA Climate Hubs have several international
collaborations, including the Malawi Market Transitions for New Growth
Opportunities and reducing livestock methane emissions in Sri Lankan
dairy[1].
RESEARCH] Page 15
DESSIGINATION AND ACCOUNTABLITY
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:43 PM
The United States has various roles and accountability in global climate
agreements, particularly in the context of the Paris Agreement, COP
(Conference of the Parties), and its climate commitments and targets. Here is
an overview of these aspects:
Paris Agreement
• The Paris Agreement is the most significant global climate agreement to
date, requiring all countries to set emissions-reduction pledges called
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)[1].
• The United States, as the world's second-largest emitter, signed the
agreement but withdrew under the Trump administration. However,
President Joe Biden reentered the United States into the agreement
during his first months in office[1].
• The Paris Agreement does not have hard enforcement mechanisms.
Instead, the focus is on accurate reporting and countries' voluntary
commitments[2].
COP (Conference of the Parties)
• The COP is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which oversees the
implementation of the Paris Agreement[5].
• The COP's key tasks include reviewing national communications and
emission inventories[5].
U.S. Climate Commitments and Targets
• Under the Paris Agreement, the United States is required to submit
increasingly ambitious NDCs on a 5-year cycle[4].
• President Biden announced a commitment to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas
emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels in 2030, which would nearly
double the previous U.S. NDC[4][6].
• The Biden administration has created the National Climate Task Force,
with more than 25 Cabinet-level leaders working together on
groundbreaking goals to tackle the climate crisis[6].
Accountability Mechanisms
• The Paris Agreement does not have strong enforcement mechanisms, but
accurate reporting and voluntary commitments play a role in holding
countries accountable[2].
• Climate change framework laws can specify accountability for the
implementation of core obligations. A policy insight by the London School
of Economics and Political Science examines the elements that can be
'built in' to these laws for successful implementation of the Paris
Agreement[3].
RESEARCH] Page 16
DEFENCE FOR FUND PLEDGE
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:44 PM
1. Acknowledge the Concerns: Start by acknowledging the importance of
financial contributions to addressing climate change. Express
understanding of the concerns raised by those asking for financial
pledges.
2. Highlight Existing Commitments: Emphasize that the United States has
made substantial commitments to combat climate change. Mention the
U.S.'s recommitment to the Paris Agreement and its efforts to reduce
carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. Stress that
the U.S. is taking concrete actions to address climate change
domestically.
3. Budget Limitations: Explain that the U.S. has budget constraints, and
decisions on financial contributions need to be made in the context of
overall fiscal responsibility. Ensure that your explanation doesn't come
across as unwillingness, but rather as a responsible approach to national
budgeting.
4. Offering a Pledge: Propose a specific financial pledge. It's important to
show a commitment while also being realistic about budget limitations.
The pledge should be substantial and in line with the U.S.'s capacity to
contribute.
5. Accountability and Transparency: Stress the importance of
transparency and accountability in how funds are allocated and utilized.
The U.S. will be ready to provide financial support as long as there are
robust mechanisms in place to ensure the effective use of the funds.
6. Coordinated Efforts: Highlight the need for collective responsibility.
Suggest that addressing climate change is a shared global challenge, and
while the U.S. is committed to playing its part, it cannot bear the entire
financial burden alone.
7. Potential Problems: Address the concerns about giving more money.
Mention that excessive financial contributions without proper allocation
and monitoring can lead to misuse of funds or lack of accountability. It's
essential that contributions from all nations are fair and just.
8. Encourage Collaborative Solutions: Emphasize that the U.S. is open to
discussions and negotiations to arrive at a solution that works for all.
Suggest that a collaborative approach is the most effective way to
achieve climate goals.
9. Highlight Non-Monetary Contributions: Mention the United States'
non-monetary contributions, such as technology sharing, knowledge
transfer, and capacity building, which are equally valuable.
10. Conclude with Commitment: Conclude by reiterating the U.S.'s
RESEARCH] Page 17
10. Conclude with Commitment: Conclude by reiterating the U.S.'s
commitment to addressing climate change and being part of a global
solution. Express the willingness to engage in further discussions to arrive
at an equitable and effective financial contribution.
By using a diplomatic, cooperative, and realistic approach, you can
defend the U.S.'s stance on financial pledges for the climate change
conference while addressing concerns and showing a commitment to the
cause.
RESEARCH] Page 18
QUESTIONS WHICH CAN BE EXPECTED
Thursday, 26 October, 2023
09:45 PM
• Ambitious climate targets: The US delegation will be expected to explain
and defend its ambitious climate targets, which include reducing
greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030 and
achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Other countries may challenge the
US delegation on whether these targets are ambitious enough and how
they will be achieved.
• Climate finance: The US delegation will be expected to contribute to the
Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other climate finance mechanisms that
help developing countries reduce their emissions and adapt to the
impacts of climate change. The US delegation may face pressure to
increase its climate finance contributions, especially from developing
countries.
• Loss and damage: The US delegation will be expected to address the issue
of loss and damage, which refers to the non-economic losses and
damages that developing countries face as a result of climate change. The
US delegation has traditionally resisted calls for compensation for loss and
damage, but it may be under increasing pressure to change its position.
• Trade barriers: The US delegation may be challenged on its trade
barriers, which some argue make it difficult for developing countries to
access clean energy technologies and other climate-friendly goods and
services. The US delegation may need to explain how it will reduce or
eliminate these trade barriers.
• Climate justice: The US delegation may face questions about its
commitment to climate justice, which refers to the fair and equitable
distribution of the costs and benefits of climate action. The US delegation
may need to explain how it will ensure that its climate policies benefit all
people, regardless of race, income, or location.
In addition to these general questions and challenges, the US delegation may
also face specific questions about its policies and programs on a range of
climate-related issues, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency,
transportation, and agriculture.
The US delegation will need to be prepared to answer these questions and
address these challenges in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner. The US
delegation should also be willing to listen to the concerns of other countries
and to work with them to find common ground.
Here are some additional questions that the US delegation may face in the
Climate Change Conference:
• How will the US ensure that its climate policies are inclusive and
equitable?
• How will the US support developing countries in their efforts to reduce
emissions and adapt to climate change?
RESEARCH] Page 19
emissions and adapt to climate change?
• How will the US address the issue of carbon leakage, which occurs when
businesses move their operations to countries with less stringent climate
regulations?
• How will the US ensure that its climate policies do not harm the economy
or jobs?
• How will the US measure and report on its progress in reducing
emissions?
The US delegation should be prepared to answer these questions in a way that
demonstrates its commitment to climate action and its leadership in the global
fight against climate change.
RESEARCH] Page 20