WASHINGTON – Ambassador Katherine Tai today joined President Biden at the Leaders Summit on Climate's panel on the "Economic Opportunities of Climate Action." The session highlighted the broad economic benefits of climate action, with a strong focus on job creation. It also explored the economic benefits of a green recovery, long-term decarbonization and the importance of ensuring that all communities and workers benefit from the clean-energy transition.
The full text of her closing remarks is below:
I would like to thank President Biden, President Sánchez, President Buhari, President Phuc, President Duda, my colleagues -- Secretary Buttigieg and National Climate Advisor McCarthy -- and all of our panelists for today’s thoughtful and inspiring program.
This week’s Summit underscores the reality that our time to tackle the climate crisis is now. Today’s speakers have shown that taking meaningful steps to combat climate change can be a powerful driver of economic opportunity, good paying jobs, and positive global competition.
As the United States Trade Representative, my work lies at the intersection of domestic and international economic policy. I know that the care and maintenance of our planet’s environmental conditions are critical to our economic viability and our potential for shared prosperity.
As we say, “necessity is the mother of invention.” The need to act on climate requires significant change – and it is already sparking innovation and opportunity.
We can build on these beginnings towards a future that is cleaner and brighter, with new market opportunities and high-paying, quality jobs. And we must do so in a way that advances equity for underserved and marginalized communities.
As countries around the world determine their domestic measures for decarbonization, environmental conservation, and clean energy, trade policy can be a powerful tool to create incentives for positive competition and a race to the top in realizing our collective prosperity.
Historic approaches and new initiatives, like those discussed today and the proposals included in the American Jobs Plan, the Empowering People clean energy initiative, and plans for zero-emissions transportation and transshipment, clearly demonstrate that innovative and dynamic solutions are within our reach.
Most importantly, today’s discussion offers us hope, ideas, and an invitation to join forces, do our part, and realize the goal of transitioning to net zero by 2050 in order to preserve and protect our planet and create economic opportunities for our children and their children.
It is now my honor and privilege to introduce the President of the United States, Joe Biden for closing remarks.
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