What are the key points of the Leaders Summit organized by Joe Biden to stop climate change

On February 26, the President Alberto Fernandez speak with John Kerry, the special climate envoy for the US presidency. In the conference, Kerry conveyed an invitation from the US President, Joe biden, participate in Leaders Summit on Climate Change convened by the US government for the April 22, coinciding with World Earth Day.

“I also urge you to attend the summit ready to share how your government will help keep the 1.5 degree centigrade target within reach,” Biden urged Fernández.

Finally, almost two months later, the Argentine head of state will be present at the event, which will serve as a prelude to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November.

Virtual meeting 40 world leaders will participateAmong them, Presidents Jair Bolsonaro (Brazil), Sebastián Piñera (Chile), Iván Duque Márquez (Colombia) and Andrés Manuel López Obrador (Mexico), who will discuss the economic benefits of stronger climate action.

Among those convened will be the 17 countries responsible for 80% of emissions that accelerate climate change in the world, in order to find points of convergence in terms of solutions.. In addition to the Latin American presidents, the representative of China also confirmed his presence: this will be the first meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping.

THE CONTEXT

From this summit, Biden seeks to revitalize U.S. leadership in tackling climate change, a reality that has multiple effects and exacerbates existing problems such as the immigration crisis.

The pandemic has significantly reduced carbon emissions, but they are increasing again. According to reports, the International Energy Agency (IEA) expects a 4.8% increase in carbon dioxide emissions this year, the largest annual increase since 2010, driven by a strong rebound in the demand for coal for power generation. IEA estimates that China, the world’s largest coal consumer, will account for 55% of the increase in global coal demand in 2021.

A key fact: In 2019, the countries emitting the most carbon dioxide from fossil fuels were China, the United States, the European Union + the United Kingdom, India, Russia and Japan. These savings concern 51% of the world’s population and 67% of polluting emissions.

On the way to Earth Day, António GuterresThe United Nations (UN) Secretary General has warned that “there are critical ecosystems and food chains that are on the verge of collapse.”

WHAT’S TO COME IN POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

There are rumors that US could announce 50% cut in carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, the country is preparing a draft decree entitled “Financial risk linked to the climate” through which it will seek to regulate companies.

For its part, European Union has already secured a major climate deal (before the Biden summit) that aims to make the bloc climate neutral by 2050. UKinstead, he promises reduce pollutant emissions by 78% by 2035.

In the case of Mexico, I expected that propose a migration agreement between the countries of North America and Central America. “This would involve expanding a tree planting program for agroforestry purposes, which could eventually lead to beneficiaries obtaining temporary work visas in the United States and, later, obtaining citizenship of that country. “, explained Manuel López Obrador.

In anticipation of April 22, Brazil has already made a proposal to Biden for the Amazon and hopes to receive support from the United States to reduce deforestation in the world’s largest rainforest..

If for President Biden the association with the country of Rio de Janeiro is crucial, he expects “more concrete measures” from Brazil to fight against climate change. For its part, Jair Bolsonaro He asked the administration of the president of the United States to provide a billion dollars. In return, pledged to reduce deforestation by 40%.

For many, this plan is not enough. Around 200 organizations have already asked Biden not to trust Bolsonaro when it comes to taking care of the environment. The reasons: after his inauguration as president, the destruction of this rainforest increased by 34% in 2019 more than the previous year.

During the pre-meeting, US and China agree to cut emissions and help poorer countries develop low-carbon energy sources. Meanwhile, seven European countries (including Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Spain) will stop financing hydrocarbons abroad.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE SUMMIT

What is expected to happen between April 22 and 23 is about four points. The main: in the United States to announce a new emissions target and commit more funding for the transition. Second, major economies promise to cut emissions by 2030. Third, a responsibility to increase climate finance for developing countries and a commitment to stop funding coal. Finally, as nations seek to green their post-COVID-19 economic recovery plans.

On April 22, in addition to the commemoration of Earth Day, the Treaty of Escazú also enters into force: a regional agreement on access to information, public participation and access to justice in matters of environment in Latin America and the Caribbean, signed by 24 Latin American and Caribbean countries concerning environmental protection protocols.

How does this benefit the country? To begin with, guarantee the full and effective implementation of the rights of access to environmental information; In addition, it encourages public participation in decision-making and promotes access to justice in environmental matters, as well as the creation of instruments for the protection and safety of environmental defenders.

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