Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on International Climate Talks in Cancun

Statement

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9) released the following statement regarding the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Cancun, Mexico from November 29 -- December 10, 2010.

"There is no denying the urgent threat posed by global climate change, and its potential to exacerbate instances of inequality and suffering around the world," said Congresswoman Lee. "The science tells us we will need to take even more significant and urgent action than previously understood in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

"Rather than reducing expectations for our capacity to meet this global challenge, this week the international community must come together in good faith to strengthen the global response to this crisis.

"I urge President Obama and our international counterparts to recommit to the international negotiation process and cooperative efforts to ensure science-based reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions are accomplished in an equitable and verifiable manner.
"The United States, as the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gas emissions, has a clear leadership role to play in this process.

"The United States must live up to, and build upon, previous commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mobilize funding for adaptation and clean energy deployment activities in developing nations, as well as to avert forest degradation and deforestation abroad.

"Immediate investment in these measures will greatly reduce the impacts of climate change in the future and is essential to ensuring the most vulnerable populations do not bear a disproportionate burden due to the impacts of climate change.

"I also remain committed to overcoming obstacles to finally put a price on carbon emissions in the United States, and to enacting the strongest possible climate legislation so that we might reverse trends of environmental injustice and degradation here at home.

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