'Cautious optimism' for renewed US engagement on climate as delegation heads to COP31
Delegation members plan to "explore opportunities for renewed US engagement on climate, energy, and economic policy" at the UN summit.
An American congressional delegation is set to travel to Türkiye for the upcoming UN climate summit, following the Democratic party's recent midterm victory. The 19-member delegation, led by the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Institute, aims to engage with policymakers, civil society groups, and business leaders to explore opportunities for US re-engagement on climate, energy, and economic policy.
Representative Sean Casten of Illinois noted that while the US delegation won't be in the majority, they will be received with awareness of the recent political changes. He emphasized the importance of conveying America's stance on climate issues and the shared challenges faced by the world, such as climate refugees, financial volatility due to climate change, and the need to decarbonize economies, especially considering the Iran war.
Despite the US's history of not ratifying the Kyoto Protocol and exiting the Paris Agreement under President Trump, Casten expressed cautious optimism regarding potential policy opportunities. He pointed to Trump's tariffs, which make solar panels and electric vehicles more expensive, as well as the Iran war, which is driving up gasoline prices, as significant contributors to inflation.
Additionally, the Republican Party's past support for certain environmental policies, including emissions trading and protecting the ozone layer, could help open up margins for progress on climate issues, even with Democrats controlling both the House and Senate.
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