Contact: Eben BurnhamSnyder (Markey) 2022242742

WASHINGTON (November 22, 2013) - Senator Edward J. Markey (DMass.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Environmental Protection in the Foreign Relations Committee with jurisdiction over climate treaties, and lead cochair of the U.S. Senate Climate Change Clearinghouse, today issued the following statement on the United Nations climate change talks in Warsaw, Poland:

 

"This year's U.N. climate conference in Warsaw opened in the devastating aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan, and ends with the clear message that we must do more to cut the pollution that is endangering our people and our planet. As the talks conclude in Warsaw, my hope is the negotiators can chart a path forward to an international agreement that will avoid catastrophic climate change and deal with the impacts we can no longer avoid.

 

"My prayers today are with the people of the Philippines as they undertake the challenging recovery effort. I commend the efforts of the U.S. government and American volunteers that are contributing to the ongoing relief work.

 

"Carbon pollution is increasing temperatures, raising sealevels and causing more extreme rainfall. Climate change makes the impact of every storm worse, whether it hits the Phillippines or the New Jersey shore. 

 

"We need an international climate agreement that is ambitious, effective and durable. We need an agreement that will continue the important work countries are already undertaking and will inspire all countries to undertake actions in line with their needs and abilities."

 

"The good news is that carbon pollution in the United States is falling. The new fuel efficiency and tailpipe pollution standards we've put in place have contributed to this progress. President Obama and his administration have set out a climate action plan that will reduce pollution further. I have recently introduced bills that would increase renewable energy generation in the United States and reduce carbon pollution escaping from leaking natural gas pipelines. 

 

"I will keep working with my colleagues in Congress to pass legislation that will support America's clean energy revolution. The United States is committed to reducing our carbon pollution and working with all countries to address the challenges of climate change."