| December 3, 2009 |  |
Senator Kerry Introduces International Climate Change Investment Act
Statement by Union of Concerned Scientists President Kevin Knobloch
WASHINGTON (December 3, 2009) — Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and author of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (S. 1733), today introduced the International Climate Change Investment Act of 2009.
Below is a statement by Kevin Knobloch, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists:
"We welcome Senator Kerry's introduction today of the International Climate Change Investment Act. A central issue in the international climate negotiations is the need for increased funding to help developing countries to deploy clean technologies, reduce deforestation, and adapt to the impacts of global warming. Many of these countries are already taking action to limit their emissions of greenhouse gases, and they are willing to do more if assistance from the United States and other developed countries is forthcoming. Helping these countries preserve their rainforests and power their economies more efficiently and cleanly is essential to avoid the worst impacts of global warming. Senator Kerry's bill also will expand export markets for U.S. companies that produce clean energy technologies, which will create jobs here at home.
"The most vulnerable developing countries are already suffering from the impacts of global warming. Helping them develop and implement adaptation strategies to better cope with these impacts is not only the right thing to do, it's an investment in our own security because climate change has the potential to fuel conflict and instability in many regions of the world.
"By introducing this bill, Senator Kerry is once again providing critical leadership on an issue of vital importance to the United States. We thank him for this leadership, and stand ready to help him advance these objectives as part of comprehensive climate and energy legislation."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
