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The next Vice President has the potential to play a huge role in regalvanizing US international climate leadership. A lot of coverage today on @KamalaHarris’ domestic climate credentials and promises, but not so much her international positions. A thread. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2020/08/12/stories/1063711489?utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aclimatewire&utm_campaign=edition%2Bj%2BSsz3pXx5cR5MKmJzfr%2BA%3D%3D
During her own Presidential run, Harris pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 (Biden has pledged to do so by 2050) and to adopt a US target to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 (Biden has not identified a specific target, which actually makes sense for several reasons).
Harris also said she would honour and double US contributions to the Green Climate Fund. Interestingly, she also said she would “negotiate a significantly greater commitment to funding the (carbon-free) transition guided by the IPCC estimate of $1.6-3.8 trillion”.
Like Biden, Harris also spoke of convening major emitters early in 2021 and emphasised the importance of engaging with China and India especially - including to secure action “commensurate” with US commitments and in line with 1.5°C.
On China, Harris has been very strong on human rights and you can see this reflected in the CCP-run Global Times’ coverage today. As the article highlights, Harris already has a Chinese name: He Jenli. https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1197489.shtml
And while both Biden & Harris have underscored the importance of trade policy as a lever for climate action and the need to cut off support for fossil fuel projects overseas, Harris has also said the US should use its voting power in the World Bank and other MDBs to the same end.
Finally, it is also worth noting Harris’ campaign platform also pledged to appoint a climate envoy in every major US embassy around the world. A small personnel strategy such as this could do a lot to help mainstream climate change as part of US foreign policy.
