This week, more than 100 Heads of State will meet in New York to spur critical and much needed action on climate change. The 2014 UN Climate Summit presents a rare opportunity to find common ground to address this growing world crisis.
This vital international meeting comes on the heels of President Obama’s important new initiative to curb greenhouse gas emissions by working with the entire hydroflourocarbon (HFC) supply chain.
This initiative takes real and measurable action to address one of the most important issues facing our country and our world.
As someone who has worked extensively with the United Nations and a founding member of the Safe Climate Caucus, I know that the reality of climate change is not up for debate. There is a broad scientific consensus that climate change is real, man-made, getting worse and is a threat to human rights and national security.
I hope this summit of world leaders will result in clear steps leading towards real and actionable solutions. We can no longer drag our feet on action – we have reached the crisis point.
Climate change is already wrecking havoc on the global economy. Storms, floods, droughts and wildfires of unprecedented intensity have destroyed homes and critical infrastructure while costing billions and endangering lives.
In my home state of California, 2013 was the driest year on record and we are entering the third year of a historic drought.
We must act to prevent these crises from getting worse!
If we want to prevent the most disastrous effects of climate change, we must act now. We cannot allow lush farm lands to become barren deserts or coastal cities to become submerged.
It is time for Congress to enact real solutions, here at home, while global leaders work for greater global action on climate change at the United Nations.
Congress must invest in a sustainable energy future that protects our planet and grows our economy.
Building down that path, I introduced the Incentives for our Nation’s Veterans in Energy Sustainability Technologies Act (H.R. 5494) – also known as the INVEST Act.
This legislation takes a small step by providing a tax credit to sustainable energy companies that hire veterans which green technology expertise.
It is a win-win. Our veterans have world-class advanced technology training and a proven desire to serve our country and build a better world. We should tap into that expertise to build our sustainable energy future.
I have also introduced House Concurrent Resolution 36. The resolution recognizes the leadership of women in addressing climate change and notes the disproportionate impact that climate change is having on women. From agricultural field to cities, women are bearing the brunt of the effects of climate change.
If we want to achieve real solutions to climate change, we must engage women, from local to international level, as stakeholders.
Our President and other global leaders have repeatedly shown seriousness about the threats posed by climate change – it is time Congress also gets serious about climate change.
As a global leader, the U.S. should be leading by example.
As this UN summit gets underway, I hope my Republican colleagues will pay attention to the overwhelming evidence of severe, dangerous, and man-made climate change.
