Markey Addresses International Legislative Forum on Global Warming
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Select Committee, 202-225-4081
Markey Addresses International Legislative Forum on Global Warming
Markey Brazil CODEL Brings Message of U.S. Action, Engagement on Climate Issues
BRASILIA, Brazil (February 20, 2008) – Chairman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming addressed an international forum of legislators this morning on United States action on global warming, and the significant role the Amazon forest and Brazilian biofuels play in the global quest to avert a climate crisis. Later today, Chairman Markey is expected to join Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a public exchange on global warming and energy issues.“With a new president--whether it is McCain, Clinton or Obama--the United States will have a president committed to a mandatory carbon cap-and-trade program and to reaching an international agreement in Copenhagen in December of 2009,” Chairman Markey told the forum. The Copenhagen international climate meeting in 2009 will establish the next phase in the Kyoto global warming pact.
Chairman Markey’s speech today comes in the middle of a Congressional trip to Brazil, led by Markey. The bi-partisan delegation is in Brazil this week to study the impacts a warming climate is having on Brazilian ecosystems, and how Amazonian deforestation is playing a critical role in the warming of the earth. At the request of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the delegation is representing the United States House of Representatives at the GLOBE Forum. The forum features more than 100 environmental leaders and parliamentarians meeting in Brasilia, Brazil this week, and aims to craft a post-Kyoto framework for reducing global warming emissions which will be presented at the next meeting of the G8 leaders.
While in Brazil, the delegation has met with top climate and conservation scientists, biofuels experts and producers, and ambassadors to discuss the challenges of global warming, forest preservation and environmental degradation in Brazil and around the world. The delegation is also examining Brazil’s promising biofuels development program, and the lessons—both positive and negative—the United States can glean from Brazil’s experience. The recently-passed energy bill will mandate U.S. biofuel production increase several-fold over the next couple decades.
In advance of this important trip, on Thursday, February 14, 2008, the Select Committee held a hearing on the impacts of tropical deforestation on the planet’s fragile climate system. Twenty percent of all global warming pollution comes from the loss of the world’s forests, with the majority of threats to these large so-called “carbon sinks” occurring in the tropical regions of the world, including the Amazon.
“The planet is sick, but there are no emergency rooms for a sick planet. Global warming is not just a political issue, but a moral issue as well,” Chairman Markey told the GLOBE forum.
The delegation includes Representatives Tom Davis (R-VA), Lois Capps (D-CA), Michael Ferguson (D-NJ), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and Barbara Cubin (R-WY).
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PLEASE NOTE: The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming was created to explore American clean energy solutions that end our reliance on foreign oil and reduce carbon pollution.
The Select Committee was active during the 110th and 111th Congresses. This is an archived version of the website, to ensure that the public has ongoing access to the Select Committee record. This website, including external links, will not be updated after Jan. 3rd, 2010.
The Select Committee was active during the 110th and 111th Congresses. This is an archived version of the website, to ensure that the public has ongoing access to the Select Committee record. This website, including external links, will not be updated after Jan. 3rd, 2010.
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