The European Union and the United States are committed to renewing their strong alliance in an effort to deal with the climate crisis. That’s what emerged after a visit of US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry to the European Commission.
“Having worked closely to deliver the landmark Paris Agreement, we are committed to ensuring its success by reducing our own emissions and by cooperating with our global partners, particularly the other major economies, to strengthen their climate ambition,” read the joint statement.
The United States is committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050 and aims to announce its nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement at or before President Biden’s Leaders Climate Summit on 22 April. The EU has committed to climate neutrality in 2050 and intends to increase its 2030 climate ambitions by cutting its emissions by at least 55 per cent compared to 1990. It is now working on a comprehensive Fit for 55 Package expected in June of this year to ensure that these ambitions are translated into effective action.
“We urge all countries to take the necessary steps to keep a 1.5 degree C temperature limit within reach, including through commitments to net zero emissions by 2050, specific net-zero strategies and ambitious nationally determined contributions,” continued the press statement. “We also resolved today to work together and with other countries to help the world’s most vulnerable cope with the devastating impacts of climate change.”
Indeed, according to the EU and the US, these urgent challenges cannot be met by governments: the strong climate efforts of many leading companies are encouraging while the private sector must be more involved.
“We are heartened by the countless youth and other citizens who are joining in the climate effort and holding leaders accountable for the well-being of our planet and future generations,” the joint statement concluded.