Workshop: Paris, We’re Back! Now What?

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Andrew Light is the new Acting Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Dr. Light spoke with Climate Communication’s Susan Joy Hassol about the repercussions of the U.S.’ temporary absence from the Paris Agreement and the path forward for the United States. Important points made by Dr. Light included:

• Exiting the Paris Agreement made Americans less safe, and threatened America’s economic prosperity. Rejoining is the path to enhanced security and prosperity.

• The vast majority of heat-trapping pollution, 85%, is created by nations other than the United States. Protecting Americans from climate change requires that we work with all nations to reduce global emissions of heat-trapping pollution to net zero as quickly as possible.

• The economic opportunity associated with this transition to a clean energy economy is enormous, a minimum of $23 trillion over the next decade alone. Engaging with the world on the Paris Agreement--thereby ensuring that American innovation, technology, and manufacturing capability is part of the mix--is the surest path to American economic revitalization.

Resources for Reporters:

• 2021 meeting of the parties to the Paris Agreement

• UNFCCC Paris Climate Change Agreement

• IPCC 1.5 report

• United Nations Emissions Gap Report 2020

• January 27, 2021: Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad

• Climate Investment Opportunities Total $23 Trillion in Emerging Markets by 2030

• International Finance Corporation (IFC) Climate Investment Opportunities Report Series

Climate Central Resources