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John Kerry says Trump’s climate policies ‘destroyed’ US credibility on world stage – live John Kerry says Trump’s climate policies ‘destroyed’ US credibility on world stage – live
(32 minutes later)
Biden’s climate envoy pledges president will take steps to confront crisis while Greta Thunberg says ‘best medication against anger’ is to take actionBiden’s climate envoy pledges president will take steps to confront crisis while Greta Thunberg says ‘best medication against anger’ is to take action
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina will be delivering the Republican response to Biden’s address to Congress next week.
Scott, the only Black Republican senator, who is leading the party’s efforts to enact police reform, will have a big opportunity to take the national stage. Biden plans to address a joint session Congress on 28 April - speaking to both chambers all together for the first time since taking office.
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague Maanvi Singh will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Greta Thunberg testified at a House subcommittee hearing on the need to end federal subsidies for fossil fuels. The 18-year-old climate activist implored lawmakers to “listen to and act on the science and to use your common sense”. “We, the young people, are the ones who are going to write about you in the history books,” Thunberg said. “So my advice for you is to choose wisely.”
Joe Biden announced a goal to cut US greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. The president laid out the new goal in his introductory remarks at the start of a two-day virtual climate summit with dozens of world leaders. “No nation can solve this crisis on our own,” Biden said. “All of us, all of us, and particularly those of us who represent the world’s largest economies, have to step up.”
John Kerry said Donald Trump’s climate policies had “destroyed” America’s credibility on the world stage. Kerry, the president’s special envoy for climate, also criticized Trump for pulling out of the Paris climate agreement “without any facts, without any science, without any rationale that would be considered reasonable”.
The House passed a bill to make the District of Columbia the 51st US state. The vote of 216 to 208 fell exactly along party lines. The DC statehood bill now heads to the Senate, where Democrats do not currently have the votes to overcome a Republican filibuster of the legislation.
The Senate passed an anti-Asian hate crimes bill, in a vote of 94 to 1. The bill, which would create a new justice department position to expedite review of hate crime reports and provide support to state and local officials responding to hate crimes, is expected to pass the House as well.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
The US goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared with 2005 levels, will take the world closer to the reductions scientists say are necessary to hold global heating within scientifically advised limits, analysis has shown.The US goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared with 2005 levels, will take the world closer to the reductions scientists say are necessary to hold global heating within scientifically advised limits, analysis has shown.
The target, announced on Thursday before a virtual summit of more than 40 world leaders hosted by the US president, Joe Biden, would result in emissions reductions of between 1.5 and 2.4 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year by 2030, compared with the US’s current expected emissions, according to Climate Action Tracker.The target, announced on Thursday before a virtual summit of more than 40 world leaders hosted by the US president, Joe Biden, would result in emissions reductions of between 1.5 and 2.4 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year by 2030, compared with the US’s current expected emissions, according to Climate Action Tracker.
This is the strongest contribution yet made by any major economy, in terms of the amount of carbon to be cut, towards meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris climate agreement of holding global heating well below 2C. However, the target is not sufficient to meet the more ambitious aspiration of the Paris agreement of limiting temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.This is the strongest contribution yet made by any major economy, in terms of the amount of carbon to be cut, towards meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris climate agreement of holding global heating well below 2C. However, the target is not sufficient to meet the more ambitious aspiration of the Paris agreement of limiting temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.
To be in line with a 1.5C temperature rise, the US would need to cut emissions by 57-63% below 2005 levels, said Climate Action Tracker.To be in line with a 1.5C temperature rise, the US would need to cut emissions by 57-63% below 2005 levels, said Climate Action Tracker.
The Senate has passed the anti-Asian hate crimes bill in a vote of 94 to 1, after Democrat Mazie Hirono worked with some of her Republican colleagues to ensure bipartisan support for the legislation.The Senate has passed the anti-Asian hate crimes bill in a vote of 94 to 1, after Democrat Mazie Hirono worked with some of her Republican colleagues to ensure bipartisan support for the legislation.
Josh Hawley, a Republican of Missouri, was the only senator to vote against the bill. Five others -- Republicans Marsha Blackburn, Mike Lee and Rand Paul and Democrats Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith -- did not vote.Josh Hawley, a Republican of Missouri, was the only senator to vote against the bill. Five others -- Republicans Marsha Blackburn, Mike Lee and Rand Paul and Democrats Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith -- did not vote.
(Klobuchar and Smith were both in their home state of Minnesota to attend the funeral of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by Brooklyn Center police earlier this month.)(Klobuchar and Smith were both in their home state of Minnesota to attend the funeral of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by Brooklyn Center police earlier this month.)
The bill now heads to the Democratic-controlled House, where it is expected to pass. Joe Biden has also signaled he will sign the bill once it reaches his desk.The bill now heads to the Democratic-controlled House, where it is expected to pass. Joe Biden has also signaled he will sign the bill once it reaches his desk.
The legislation would create a new justice department position to more quickly review hate crime reports linked to the coronavirus pandemic and provide support to state and local officials responding to hate crimes.The legislation would create a new justice department position to more quickly review hate crime reports linked to the coronavirus pandemic and provide support to state and local officials responding to hate crimes.
The Senate passage of the bill comes amid an increase in reports of hate crimes among Asian Americans. The shooting at three spas in Atlanta last month also killed eight people, including six Asian women, intensifying calls to address this alarming trend.The Senate passage of the bill comes amid an increase in reports of hate crimes among Asian Americans. The shooting at three spas in Atlanta last month also killed eight people, including six Asian women, intensifying calls to address this alarming trend.
“This long overdue bill sends two messages. To our Asian-American friends, we will not tolerate bigotry against you,” Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said. “And to those perpetrating anti-Asian bigotry, we will pursue you to the fullest extent of the law.”“This long overdue bill sends two messages. To our Asian-American friends, we will not tolerate bigotry against you,” Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said. “And to those perpetrating anti-Asian bigotry, we will pursue you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Jen Psaki was asked to confirm reports that Joe Biden will propose raising taxes on wealthy investors to help fund childcare and education programs.Jen Psaki was asked to confirm reports that Joe Biden will propose raising taxes on wealthy investors to help fund childcare and education programs.
The White House press secretary said she did not want to get ahead of the president, adding that Biden will lay out his $1.5tn American Family Plan when he addresses Congress next week.The White House press secretary said she did not want to get ahead of the president, adding that Biden will lay out his $1.5tn American Family Plan when he addresses Congress next week.
The New York Times has details on the administration’s plans, which remain in flux:The New York Times has details on the administration’s plans, which remain in flux:
The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, has now returned to the podium to continue the daily briefing.The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, has now returned to the podium to continue the daily briefing.
A reporter asked Psaki why Joe Biden believes federal money should be spent on building electric car charging stations when senior advisers like John Kerry argue the market is going to move in that direction anyway.A reporter asked Psaki why Joe Biden believes federal money should be spent on building electric car charging stations when senior advisers like John Kerry argue the market is going to move in that direction anyway.
Psaki responded that the president believes there is a role for the government to play in encouraging the production of environment-friendly products and creating jobs in the process.Psaki responded that the president believes there is a role for the government to play in encouraging the production of environment-friendly products and creating jobs in the process.
John Kerry was pressed on climate activists’ complaints that Joe Biden’s commitments are not enough to halt the destruction of climate change.John Kerry was pressed on climate activists’ complaints that Joe Biden’s commitments are not enough to halt the destruction of climate change.
“Is it enough? No. But it’s the best we can do today and prove we can begin to move,” the president’s special envoy for climate told reporters.“Is it enough? No. But it’s the best we can do today and prove we can begin to move,” the president’s special envoy for climate told reporters.
Kerry was speaking hours after 18-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg testified before a House oversight subcommittee on the need to end federal subsidies for fossil fuel companies.Kerry was speaking hours after 18-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg testified before a House oversight subcommittee on the need to end federal subsidies for fossil fuel companies.
“Unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight,” Thunberg told lawmakers. “And to be honest, I don’t believe for a second that you will actually do this.”“Unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight,” Thunberg told lawmakers. “And to be honest, I don’t believe for a second that you will actually do this.”
John Kerry dismissed a question on whether he was concerned about Republican opposition to Joe Biden’s climate proposals.John Kerry dismissed a question on whether he was concerned about Republican opposition to Joe Biden’s climate proposals.
The president’s special envoy for climate noted that many policies can be implemented through executive orders, combined with cooperation from the private sector.The president’s special envoy for climate noted that many policies can be implemented through executive orders, combined with cooperation from the private sector.
Kerry argued there were economic advantages to building a green economy, saying the job market is going to be “gigantic” as the US works to ramp up its renewable energy sources.Kerry argued there were economic advantages to building a green economy, saying the job market is going to be “gigantic” as the US works to ramp up its renewable energy sources.
The former secretary of state also used the electric car company Tesla as an example of how companies can financially benefit by building environment-friendly products.The former secretary of state also used the electric car company Tesla as an example of how companies can financially benefit by building environment-friendly products.
“The market is sending signals. The consumer is sending signals,” Kerry said.“The market is sending signals. The consumer is sending signals,” Kerry said.
John Kerry, Joe Biden’s special envoy for climate, said Donald Trump’s policies “destroyed” America’s credibility on the world stage when it comes to addressing climate change.John Kerry, Joe Biden’s special envoy for climate, said Donald Trump’s policies “destroyed” America’s credibility on the world stage when it comes to addressing climate change.
The former secretary of state noted that today, which is Earth Day, marks five years since he signed the Paris climate agreement in New York, with his granddaughter on his knee.The former secretary of state noted that today, which is Earth Day, marks five years since he signed the Paris climate agreement in New York, with his granddaughter on his knee.
“Regrettably, without any facts, without any science, without any rationale that would be considered reasonable, the former president decided to pull out,” Kerry said.“Regrettably, without any facts, without any science, without any rationale that would be considered reasonable, the former president decided to pull out,” Kerry said.
The senior presidential adviser pledged that Biden would take active steps to confront climate change and to rebuild America’s credibility with its foreign allies.The senior presidential adviser pledged that Biden would take active steps to confront climate change and to rebuild America’s credibility with its foreign allies.
The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, is now holding her daily briefing with reporters.The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, is now holding her daily briefing with reporters.
Psaki is joined today by John Kerry, Joe Biden’s special envoy for climate, and Gina McCarthy, the president’s national climate adviser.Psaki is joined today by John Kerry, Joe Biden’s special envoy for climate, and Gina McCarthy, the president’s national climate adviser.
The briefing comes as Biden kicks off a two-day virtual climate summit with dozens of world leaders at the White House.The briefing comes as Biden kicks off a two-day virtual climate summit with dozens of world leaders at the White House.
Making a pitch for the president’s $2tn infrastructure plan, McCarthy said the proposal would help the US to “grow our economy and to reduce our emissions”.Making a pitch for the president’s $2tn infrastructure plan, McCarthy said the proposal would help the US to “grow our economy and to reduce our emissions”.
Observers of the US and China this week may ponder whether a joint call to tackle the climate crisis marks a positive change in their fraught relationship, as the two leaders meet for the first time since Joe Biden was sworn into office.
After four years of Donald Trump, the bilateral relationship has reached its lowest ebb since formal ties were established in January 1979. In both capitals, fear of a “new cold war” is on the rise. Many highlight growing competition, and the opposing nature of the two countries’ political systems.
Biden has so-far shown no sign of changing course on his China policy. Compared with his predecessor his tone may appear more discreet, but the war of words between top American and Chinese diplomats last month in Alaska offered a glimpse at the tensions beneath the surface. This may be a preview of what’s to come in the years ahead.
Yet the US and China issued a joint pledge following the US climate envoy, John Kerry’s visit to Shanghai last week.
And on Thursday China’s president, Xi Jinping, will attend a virtual US-led climate change summit at Biden’s invitation, leaving observers of the bilateral relationship with much to interpret and decode.
Greta Thunberg more or less had the last word at the congressional environmental hearing - at least the last meaningful word.
California Democratic congresswoman Katie Porter asked the Swedish activist what she should tell her nine-year-old daughter who comes to her fretting that “Earth is on fire and we’re all going to die soon”?
That’s like Throwback Thursday for Boomers who grew up amid the Cold War and US-USSR nuclear missile arms race, watching as the adults in charge willfully hurtled towards imminent catastrophe...
So Thunberg finished the Earth Day hearing with another strand to her admonish-hope-galvanize proverbial lifeline for the grown ups.
“I know that there are many young people who feel angry and sad because of all the things that some people are doing to to this planet.
“That’s very understandable. It would be strange if we didn’t feel that way, because then we wouldn’t have any empathy.. And if we choose to take action.. there’s unlimited things that we can do.. There are no limits to what we can accomplish.
“And of all ways, the best medication against anger and anxiety is to take action yourself. So that’s what I would tell her - to take action herself because that will make her feel so much better.”
Committee chair Ro Khanna wrapped up the hearing moments later.
California Democrat Katie Porter just tore into leading oil and gas lobbying boss Frank Macchiarola at the congressional committee hearing on the climate emergency.
She indicated she was confident that, somewhere in the labyrinth, government fossil fuel subsidies - alias taxpayer money - end up fueling his salary.
“Why do I have to pay for you to shill for oil companies?” Porter asked.
She continued: “We taxpayers subsidize the oil and gas industry, we did it this year during a pandemic” via some $15bn in pandemic relief alone, while the industry spent a quarter of a billion dollars on lobbying and political donations (mostly to Republicans).
Macchiarola is the senior vice president for policy for the American Petroleum Institute, the largest US trade association for US oil and natural gas companies, representing around 600 corporations.
When he sought to contradict her, Porter hit the gas and plowed right on through him, in her characteristic succinct but no-nonsense style.
“You drill in the Arctic refuge. That’s bad enough why should taxpayers have to subsidize that activity? That’s a bridge too far,” Porter said, citing “pollution, hurting wildlife” and damaging the planet as a result of that industry’s activities.
Macchiarola began: “Thank you for the question, I...”
Porter cut into his lane: “That’s not a question, that’s a fact.”
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Greta Thunberg testified at a House subcommittee hearing on the need to end federal subsidies for fossil fuels. The 18-year-old climate activist implored lawmakers to “listen to and act on the science and to use your common sense”. “We, the young people, are the ones who are going to write about you in the history books,” Thunberg said. “So my advice for you is to choose wisely.”
Joe Biden announced a goal to cut US greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. The president laid out the new goal in his introductory remarks at the start of a two-day virtual climate summit with dozens of world leaders. “No nation can solve this crisis on our own,” Biden said. “All of us, all of us, and particularly those of us who represent the world’s largest economies, have to step up.”
The House passed a bill to make the District of Columbia the 51st US state. The vote of 216 to 208 fell exactly along party lines. The DC statehood bill now heads to the Senate, where Democrats do not currently have the votes to overcome a Republican filibuster of the legislation.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer applauded the House’s passage of a bill to make the District of Columbia the 51st US state.
“This is about democracy. It’s about self-government. It’s about voting rights,” the Democratic leader said on Twitter.
But Schumer did not offer a specific timeline on when the Senate may vote on the bill, instead simply saying senators are “working to make #DCStatehood a reality”.
As of now, Democrats do not have the votes to overcome a Republican filibuster of the legislation. They would need to convince 10 of their Republican colleagues to support the bill in order to break a filibuster.
The House has passed the bill to make the District of Columbia the 51st US state, in a vote of 216 to 208.
The vote fell exactly along party lines, as expected, with all House Democrats supporting the bill and securing its passage.
The bill now heads to the evenly divided Senate, where it faces an uphill climb due to Republicans’ ability to filibuster the legislation. Republicans have criticized the proposal as a Democratic “power grab”.
However, the bill’s passage in the House and the possibility of a Senate vote still represent progress for those who have been fighting for DC statehood for decades.
Eleanor Holmes Norton, the delegate who represents DC in the House, has been advocating for statehood since she arrived in Congress in the 1990’s. She celebrated today’s House vote as a step toward addressing the injustice of taxation without representation for DC residents.
“This Congress, with Democrats controlling the House, the Senate and the White House, DC statehood is within reach for the first time in history,” Norton said.
House speaker Nancy Pelosi emphasized the importance of passing the DC statehood bill during her weekly press conference this morning.
The Democratic speaker said DC statehood is “in her DNA,” noting her father served as the chair of the District of Columbia appropriations subcommittee.
Pelosi shared a photo of her father, Thomas D’Alesandro Jr, with Eleanor Roosevelt during his first hearing as chairman of the DC appropriations subcommittee.
The speaker noted her father was known as “the unofficial mayor of Washington” because of the amount of power he held over DC as the subcommittee chairman.
“He did not support that. He was all for home rule and what would come after that,” Pelosi said.
The House oversight subcommittee on environment is currently taking a short break in its hearing on fossil fuel subsidies to address some technical difficulties.
Meanwhile, the House has started voting on the bill to make DC the 51st US state, which is expected to pass.
The blog will have more updates on the hearing and the vote coming up, so stay tuned.
Greta Thunberg emphasized that her generation will take action to confront climate change if those currently in power refuse to do so.
The 18-year-old activist said lawmakers will have to answer to their children if they do not take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as by ending federal subsidies for fossil fuels.
“Unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight,” Thunberg said. “And to be honest, I don’t believe for a second that you will actually do this.”
She added, “We, the young people, are the ones who are going to write about you in the history books. We are the ones who get to decide how you will be remembered. So my advice for you is to choose wisely.”
Greta Thunberg also warned the House members of the oversight subcommittee that they will not always be able to escape scrutiny for the US climate change response.
“How long do you honestly believe that people in power like you will get away with it?” the climate activist said in her opening remarks to the subcommittee.
“How long do you think you can continue to ignore the climate crisis, the global aspect of equity and historic emissions, without being held accountable?”
Thunberg added, “You get away with it now, but sooner or later people are going to realize what you have been doing all this time.”