Good afternoon. For many of you hailing from India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka – welcome to Bangladesh! It’s inspiring to see champions from throughout the region dedicated to addressing the urgent challenges of climate change in the Indian subcontinent.
Your sustained efforts are crucial in building a sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
As the Climate Action Champions Network (CACN) embarks on its second year, I welcome you to a country very much on the frontlines of climate change.
We all can learn from each other and our shared challenges. Now more than ever, cities like Dhaka need local, regional, and international solutions to air pollution.
As you have heard, Dhaka has been grappling with severe air quality issues for a significant period of time.
The air quality here is often among the worst in the world. Don’t just take my word for it, you can access air quality data from our monitor at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka online 24/7.
Addressing Dhaka’s air quality issues is not only a matter of public health but also a crucial step in ensuring the city’s long-term sustainability and livability.
The U.S. government is strongly committed to addressing climate change through a range of ambitious initiatives and policies which align with and support global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and transition to a more sustainable and resilient future.
The United States’ proactive approach to climate risk modeling and preparedness is an essential component of efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change.
Through this, we engage experts and stakeholders in discussions of climate change impacts, which include more frequent and severe weather events, rising temperatures, increase in the sea-level, and changing precipitation patterns.
The Biden-Harris administration has unveiled a comprehensive set of actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat the climate crisis that included rejoining the Paris Agreement, clean energy infrastructure, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, environmental justice, regulatory actions, climate diplomacy, carbon pricing, and financial incentives.
We support young climate champions making a significant and positive difference in the fight against climate change.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said, “Climate is not a trading card, it’s our future.”
But he and President Biden also make clear that no country can solve the climate crisis alone.
Everyone must do their part. I commend all the climate champions for your unwavering dedication to implementing community projects in your respective countries.
Your commitment to addressing the pressing climate challenges facing our world is truly commendable and inspiring.
By taking action at the grassroots level and working across borders, you are showing your community how we need each other for our shared prosperity.
Your passion, dedication, and innovative thinking are invaluable assets in tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Keep up the fantastic work and know that the world is watching and supporting your vital efforts. Together, we can build a more sustainable and equitable world for all.