COP26 Day 2: Ending deforestation, reducing methane emissions

Joe Biden, U.S President: “Today, I’m announcing the next steps to reduce U.S. methane emissions. We’re proposing two new rules; one through our Environmental Protection Agency that’s going to reduce methane losses from new and existing oil and gas pipelines and one through the Department of Transportation to reduce wasteful and potentially dangerous leaks from natural gas pipelines. They have authority over that area. We’re also launching a new initiative to work with our farmers and ranchers to produce climate smart agricultural practices and reduce methane on farms, which is a significant source as well. And this is all part of our new methane strategy, which focuses on reducing the largest source of methane emissions while putting thousands, thousands of skilled workers on the job all across the United States. And I expect in your countries as well.”

“This isn’t just something we have to do to protect the environment and our future. It’s an enormous opportunity, enormous opportunity for all of us, all of our nations to create jobs and make meeting climate goals a core part of our global economic recovery as well. The United States is eager to work with each of you to make sure we meet this goal and encourage more countries, more countries to join us in committing to reducing methane globally because there are more that can join and should.”

Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President: “We are officially launching our methane pledge, and we are proud and happy and grateful that over 80 countries have signed up, this is fantastic. Thanks to you. Together, these over 80 countries commit to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels on.”

“As important as this pledge is, it is about more than hitting targets. They are clear benefits to cutting emissions, methane emissions, yes for the planet, but also so much for the people too, because if we deliver on this pledge, we can prevent over 200,000 premature deaths. We can prevent hundreds of thousands of asthma related emergency room visits and over 20 million tons of crop losses a year.”

Joe Biden, U.S. President: “And I want to recognize the presidents of the Republic of the Congo and Gabon (who)are here today, for their considerable commitment to conserve, to conserve their forest. If we all work together to make sure these precious resources are conserved in Africa and around the world, forests have the potential to reduce, reduce carbon globally by more than one third, by more than one third.”

“So we need to approach this issue with the same seriousness of purpose as decarbonizing our economies. That’s what we’re doing in the United States. We’ve already exceeded the 2020 Bonn Challenge goal of more than 20 million hectares of forest land under restoration thus far. During my first week in office, I issued an executive order, set the goal of conserving at least 30 percent of all U.S. lands and waters by the year 2030.”

“As part of this, we’re going to work to ensure markets recognize the true economic value of natural carbon sinks and motivate governments, landowners and stakeholders to prioritize conservation.”

“At every step we’ll work in partnership with the people most impacted by deforestation and most experienced in sustainable land management – local communities, indigenous people, local government, civil societies – to make sure our approaches are effective and focused on the needs of vulnerable populations.”

“Preserving forests and other ecosystems can and should play an important role in meeting our ambitious climate goals as part of the net zero emissions strategy we all have. And the United States is going to lead by example at home and support other forested nations and developing countries and setting and achieving ambitious action to conserve and restore these carbon sinks. I’m confident we can do this, all we need to do is summon the will to do what we know is right and we know is necessary, we know is in our capacity. So as simple as it sounds, I think it is this simple. Let’s get to work. We can do this.”