John Podesta: US committed to fighting climate change and ensuring sustainable future

The United States is committed to fighting climate change and ensuring a sustainable future aimed at keeping global warming within 1.5°C, John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the US President, said on behalf of President Joe Biden at the high-level Leaders' Summit meeting at COP29 in Baku, according to Report.

Podesta noted that 2024 will be the hottest year on record and cited examples of catastrophic climate change impacts, such as hurricanes in the US, drought in South Africa, and floods in Colombia. He emphasized that vulnerable communities need not only ambitious promises but real action.

"Over the past four years, the Biden administration has mobilized unprecedented resources to combat climate change. The US will continue decarbonization efforts through private investments and the Inflation Reduction Act. The US will fulfill its international climate finance commitment of $11 billion annually by the end of 2024," the Senior Advisor stated.

Podesta also outlined key steps for further negotiations, including completing work on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and setting new, ambitious goals for countries considering climate security. He emphasized the need to fulfill commitments on national climate contributions and reporting, as well as continuing work on initiatives outside the Paris Agreement.

Podesta concluded that the US is ready to work toward creating a safe, clean, and fair future, noting the importance of collective efforts to overcome climate threats.