The Home Stretch to Copenhagen: World Leaders Get Serious

National Journal Online

The Home Stretch to Copenhagen: World Leaders Get Serious

By Rep. Edward J. Markey | September 30, 2009 | National Journal

Last week, the world’s leaders demonstrated their commitment to success in Copenhagen in the face of scientific and political urgency to act on climate change and stimulate the global economy through clean energy jobs.

President Barack Obama became the first U.S. President to address the United Nations General Assembly regarding climate change. His address was followed by another historic first, when China’s President, Hu Jintao, spoke of his nation’s pledge to mitigate global warming. Clearly, with fewer than 70 days until Copenhagen, the world’s leaders have gotten serious.

Hearing such determination from the United States and China should reassure those anxious for success in Copenhagen. Together, the United States and China account for 32 percent of the world’s GDP, and 40 percent of global emissions. As the two nations most responsible for the future of the world’s climate, our shared commitment to success in Copenhagen provides unparalleled momentum to the UN process. This shared commitment is more than symbolic, as both nations are working to align domestic energy policies with a substantive international accord.

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