Cardin releases statement of support for United States’ joining the Paris Agreement

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin issued the following statement in response to the joint announcement by the United States and China of the countries’ simultaneous submission of their instruments of acceptance of the Paris Agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change:

“I thank President Obama for his strong leadership which has resulted in this historic achievement. The continued cooperation between the U.S. and China on addressing climate change not only signifies how seriously our two nations take this existential threat to our planet, but also sends important signals to the rest of world that meaningful action to prevent the worst possible scenarios from climate change is possible when we work together. The U.S. and China emit approximately 38% of global greenhouse gas pollution, so our nations’ shared commitment to the success of the Paris is extremely significant because it represents a giant step towards bringing the Paris Agreement into force.
 
“As a lawmaker from a state that is exceedingly susceptible to rising sea levels and extreme weather, I can’t stress enough how important effective global cooperation and action to address climate change is needed. That is why I am committed to doing all I can to ensure the United States fulfills its obligations and serves as an example to every nation on Earth of what is possible when we put our science, leadership, and ingenuity to work on behalf of humanity. As Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Committee I will find opportunities to encourage foreign leaders to follow the U.S. example and urge the expedition of other nation’s efforts to join the Paris Agreement, because there is no time to waste.”
 
The Joint U.S.-China announcement was reportedly made by Presidents Barack Obama and Xi Jinping ahead of the start of the G20 Summit taking place in Huangzhou, China.

This action formally joins the U.S. and China to the Paris Agreement, the international effort to address the global treat of climate change.
 
More than 180 nations have apparently signed the Paris Agreement, signaling a strong global commitment from parties to the Paris Agreement to meet the thresholds necessary for the Paris Agreement to take affect by the end of this year.