U.S. steps up climate investments in Pacific islands

President Biden announced $810 million in funding for Pacific island nations, part of an increasing U.S. commitment to long-standing partners. “Security in the Pacific and for the Pacific Islanders remains as critical as ever to us,” Biden said September 29 at the first U.S.–Pacific Island Country Summit in Washington, which drew 15 countries. Read More»

Investment Climate Statements

The U.S. Department of State’s Investment Climate Statements provide information on the business climates of more than 160 economies and are prepared by economic officers stationed in embassies and posts around the world. They analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses. The Investment Climate Statements are also references ... Read More»

The climate crisis threatens these marine creatures [photo gallery]

Around one-third of all marine life will face extinction within 300 years if global temperatures keep rising, says a new report in Science. The extinction of ocean creatures would weaken global economies, harm land-based ecosystems and change life on Earth as we know it. “The ocean is our lifeblood, impacting a $500 billion global economy and ... Read More»

Readout of the April National Climate Task Force Meeting

Today, National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy held the eleventh meeting of the National Climate Task Force to launch a week of Administration actions leading up to Earth Day that build on President Biden’s historic progress to tackle the climate crisis and reduce emissions across every sector of the economy – furthering the President’s efforts to ... Read More»

Green Shipping Corridors

Greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector are significant and rising.  Shipping would be the eighth largest emitter if it were a “country,” and by 2050, emissions from the sector are projected to increase by up to 50% from 2018 levels under a business-as-usual scenario.  This trajectory is not compatible with the goals of the ... Read More»

FACT SHEET: Renewed U.S. Leadership in Glasgow Raises Ambition to Tackle Climate Crisis

On day one at the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), President Joe Biden made clear that Glasgow must raise global ambition during this decisive decade of climate action to preserve our shared future. The President reiterated that tackling the climate crisis requires the whole of society – communities, businesses, ... Read More»

U.S. Center at COP26

The United States is committed to making the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) the turning point in global efforts to address the climate crisis. Mobilizing a whole-of-government approach, the United States is scaling up action at home and abroad to put the world on a path to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Read More»

President Biden Renews U.S. Leadership on World Stage at U.N. Climate Conference (COP26)

On day one in office, President Joe Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement, restored U.S. leadership on the world stage, and reestablished our position to tackle the climate crisis at home and abroad. On day one at the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), President Biden will outline the bold steps ... Read More»

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry’s Travel to the United Kingdom and Italy

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to London, United Kingdom on October 26, 2021 to continue ongoing discussions with counterparts from the People’s Republic of China on efforts to address the climate crisis ahead of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be ... Read More»

These countries’ commitments will help our climate

The United States is among the many nations committing to major greenhouse gas reductions ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November. “More and more countries are emboldening their commitments to climate action — and they’re reaping the benefits for their people and their economies,” said U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry in ... Read More»

Reducing these ‘super pollutants’ will protect the planet

It’s a big word for a big problem: hydrofluorocarbons. And the Biden-Harris administration is acting to reduce their production by 85% over the next 15 years. Also called HFCs, hydrofluorocarbons are in refrigerators, building insulation and air conditioning units. These potent greenhouse gases have a global warming potential up to 15,000 times that of carbon dioxide, ... Read More»

Fact Sheet: Prioritizing Climate in Foreign Policy and National Security

From Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized addressing the climate crisis both at home and as a core element of our national security and foreign policy.  The climate crisis is reshaping our physical world, with the Earth’s climate changing faster than at any point in modern history and extreme weather events becoming more frequent ... Read More»

These countries’ commitments will help our climate

The United States is among the many nations committing to major greenhouse gas reductions ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November. “More and more countries are emboldening their commitments to climate action — and they’re reaping the benefits for their people and their economies,” said U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry in ... Read More»

Release of the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan

The climate crisis poses a serious threat to the Department of State’s mission of advancing the interests, health, safety, and economic prosperity of the American people.  With thousands of personnel spread out over 270 posts in 190 countries, the Department understands the urgency of frequent extreme weather events and other climate impacts taking place around ... Read More»

Readout of the Sixth National Climate Task Force Meeting

Today, National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy convened the sixth National Climate Task Force meeting where she was joined by Cabinet members and senior leadership from across the federal government. The Climate Task Force discussed the President’s recent travel to New York, New Jersey, Idaho, California, and Colorado, which demonstrates the mounting costs of the climate ... Read More»

A united world can beat back climate change

Preserving our planet requires the collective action of every nation on earth. Each country must do its part, even if its contribution is small, said Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry. “We have to make choices — together. Life is about choices,” Kerry said at the Royal Botanic Gardens in London on July 20. “So is ... Read More»

The world is at a turning point for a cleaner future

22 luglio 2021 La seguente intervista è apparsa sul quotidiano “La Repubblica” del giorno 22 luglio 2021 di Maurizio Molinari “By protecting the environment we have a real possibility of making life better for people; we are on the verge of the greatest change since the industrial revolution”. U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John ... Read More»

Remarks on the Urgency of Global Climate Action

John Kerry, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London July 20, 2021 Thank you Robin for a remarkably generous introduction. Ladies and gentlemen I accept the nomination. [laughter] I really appreciate Robin being here and I’m a great admirer of the incredible work of Chatham House, so thank you very, very much for being ... Read More»

2021 Investment Climate Statements

The U.S. Department of State’s Investment Climate Statements provide country-specific information on the business climates of more than 170 countries and economies. They are prepared by economic officers stationed in embassies and posts around the world and analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses of all sizes. Read More»

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry’s Call with Russian President Putin

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry had a phone call on July 14 with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss U.S.-Russia cooperation on combatting the climate crisis.  Special Presidential Envoy Kerry emphasized that the United States and Russia have important roles to play, including on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in this critical decade, aiming ... Read More»

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Intervention at Arctic Council Ministerial

Foreign ministers, permanent participant heads of delegation, working group representatives, Arctic Council observers and guests, it really is an honor to join you for this meeting of the Arctic Council.  And I’m especially pleased to be here today with Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, a longstanding leader and expert on Arctic issues. Read More»

Release of the 2021 Arctic Council Joint Declaration and Strategic Plan in Reykjavik, Iceland

Today, at the 12th Arctic Council Ministerial meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland, foreign ministers from all eight Arctic States signed onto the 2021 joint declaration reaffirming the Council’s commitment to maintain peace, stability, and constructive cooperation in the Arctic region, emphasizing Arctic States’ unique position to promote responsible governance in the region, and asserting the importance ... Read More»

Reinforcing the U.S. Commitment to the Arctic at the Arctic Council Ministerial May 19-20, 2021

Secretary Blinken will lead the U.S. delegation to the 12th Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council May 19-20, in Reykjavik, Iceland.  The United States will join the seven other Arctic States and six Permanent Participants at this biennial gathering to ensure the region remains free of conflict and to strengthen cooperation on issues such as ... Read More»

Joint Statement on Working Together for Global Climate Action

Special Presidential Envoy John Kerry will travel to Rome, London, and Berlin, May 13-19, 2021, to meet with European government officials and business leaders on enhancing global climate ambition ahead of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change later this year.  In Rome, Special Presidential Envoy ... Read More»

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry Travels to Europe

Special Presidential Envoy John Kerry will travel to Rome, London, and Berlin, May 13-19, 2021, to meet with European government officials and business leaders on enhancing global climate ambition ahead of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change later this year.  In Rome, Special Presidential Envoy ... Read More»

Reducing vehicle emissions in the U.S. (infographic)

In the United States, government policies, innovations from the American auto industry and consumer interest in clean air have combined over recent decades to reduce emissions from passenger vehicles. President Biden’s American Jobs Plan includes a $15 billion investment for a national network of 500,000 charging stations to give electric vehicle drivers charging options where they need ... Read More»

World leaders pledge to cap global emissions

Leaders from around the world committed to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to clean energy at President Biden’s virtual Leaders Summit on Climate. “We made great progress,” Biden said on April 23, the second day of the summit. “I’m grateful to all the leaders who have announced new commitments to help us meet the existential ... Read More»

Launching Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate

At President Biden’s Leaders Summit on Climate on April 23, 2021, the United States and United Arab Emirates, with endorsement from the United Kingdom’s COP 26 Presidency, and with support from Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Israel, Singapore, and Uruguay, announced plans to launch the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate).  The goal of AIM ... Read More»

A Proclamation on Earth Day, 2021

On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans rallied together to protect the right of all of us to live free from environmental hazard and harm.  On that first Earth Day, they gathered all across America — on college campuses, in public parks, and State capitals — galvanized by a vision of a healthier, more prosperous ... Read More»

Earth Day 2021

Today, the 51st Earth Day, we must work together to combat the climate crisis and restore our Earth for the benefit of everyone.  Each year, an estimated one billion people around the world mobilize for action on Earth Day, and this year, the United States joins this wave of action. This morning, President Biden will welcome leaders from around the globe to the ... Read More»

Secretary Blinken and Special Presidential Envoy Kerry at Leaders Summit on Climate

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will join President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and several U.S. cabinet secretaries and private sector and civil society leaders at the Leaders Summit on Climate. President Biden will host leaders from around the world in discussions highlighting the urgent need ... Read More»

Tackling the Crisis and Seizing the Opportunity: America’s Global Climate Leadership

Well, good afternoon, everyone.  And Will, thank you for a wonderful introduction.  And thank you for lending us this absolutely spectacular setting and backdrop – certainly the best setting and backdrop I’ve had in my brief tenure as Secretary.  And thanks so much to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for your lasting commitment to save the ... Read More»

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry Travels to UAE, India and Bangladesh to Discuss the Climate Crisis  

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to Abu Dhabi, New Delhi, and Dhaka April 1-9, 2021, for consultations on increasing climate ambition ahead of President Biden’s Leaders Summit on Climate April 22-23 and the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change later this year. For media inquiries, please contact ClimateComms@state.gov. Read More»

Joint Statement: The U.S. and the EU Commit to Greater Cooperation to Counter the Climate Crisis

Today in Brussels, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry met with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans, and the College of Commissioners to discus efforts to raise global climate ambition heading into COP26 in Glasgow.  After their meetings, they released the following statement. Read More»

Biden-Harris Administration Launches American Innovation Effort to Create Jobs and Tackle the Climate Crisis

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is initiating an ambitious innovation effort to create American jobs while tackling the climate crisis, which includes the launch of a new research working group, an outline of the Administration’s innovation agenda, and a new $100 million funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Energy to support transformational low-carbon energy technologies. ... Read More»

Readout of the First National Climate Task Force Meeting

Today, National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy convened the first-ever National Climate Task Force meeting as outlined by President Biden’s January 27 executive order on tackling the climate crisis. The Task Force is chaired by the National Climate Advisor and includes Cabinet-level leaders from 21 federal agencies and senior White House officials to kickstart the Biden-Harris ... Read More»

President Trump Announces U.S. Withdrawal From the Paris Climate Accord

Today, President Donald J. Trump announced that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, and begin negotiations to either re-enter or negotiate an entirely new agreement with more favorable terms for the United States. The decision is a fulfillment of the promise President Trump made to the American people during his campaign. ... Read More»

Statement by President Trump on the Paris Climate Accord

In my meetings at the G7, we have taken historic steps to demand fair and reciprocal trade that gives Americans a level playing field against other nations. We’re also working very hard for peace in the Middle East, and perhaps even peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Our attacks on terrorism are greatly stepped ... Read More»

Remarks by the Vice President Introducing President Trump’s Statement on the Paris Accord

Since the first day of this administration, President Donald Trump has been working tirelessly to keep the promises that he made to the American people. President Trump has been reforming healthcare, enforcing our laws, ending illegal immigration, rebuilding our military. And this President has been rolling back excessive regulations and unfair trade practices that were ... Read More»
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