SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt — President Joe Biden, speaking Friday at an annual global summit on climate change, said new spending on clean energy initiatives has cemented his country’s commitment to fighting global warming.Biden said the spending, part of broader economic legislation he signed into law this year, will “change the paradigm” and ensure the U.S. hits its target for reducing emissions by 2030.
Biden also spotlighted one of his key domestic successes — the Democrats’ massive health care and climate change bill known as the Inflation Reduction Act. “It’s a very good sign that President Biden is coming to this COP ,” said German special envoy Jennifer Morgan. “I think it reassures countries, people that the United States at the highest level takes this issue incredibly seriously. And we need that."“Joe Biden comes to COP27 and makes new promises but his old promises have not even been fulfilled,” Mohamed Adow, a veteran climate analyst and director of Power Shift Africa, said in an email.
The U.S. in the past has opposed even talking about the issue, but has softened its stance and has agreed to discussions. Biden’s climate envoy, John Kerry, has mentioned the issue in speeches. However, the U.S. doesn’t want liability to be part of any deal and when it comes to paying, Congress and the public have been reluctant to embrace many types of climate aid — and this is the most controversial type.
Meanwhile, Trump appeared set to announce another bid for the White House while Biden was in Asia, a contrast the incumbent’s advisers felt would only benefit Biden.