Biden's adviser says US hopes for strong results from COP29

US presidential climate advisor John Podesta has announced that in 2023, the United States produced 36 gigawatts of clean, renewable energy — enough to power over 20 million homes.

Podesta made these remarks during his address at the COP29 climate conference, as reported by Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Podesta emphasized the progress the US has made in reducing carbon emissions over the past four years, attributing these advancements to a focused approach on sustainable energy policies. 

“Just last week, the United States held its presidential elections, but despite the ongoing political transitions, the US delegation is here today to take decisive action in the fight against climate change,” Podesta stated. “We have much to discuss, and we are expecting significant results in the coming weeks.”

He highlighted the strides the US economy has made in cutting carbon emissions and expressed optimism about continuing efforts to regulate emissions for a healthier environment.

“Over the last four years, we have achieved considerable success in reducing carbon emissions in our economy. I am hopeful that we will sustain our efforts to control carbon output and ensure a healthier life for our population,” Podesta added.

The US delegation's presence at COP29 signals a continued commitment to climate action, even amid domestic political changes.

Notably, the 29th session of COP29 officially kicked off on November 11, in Azerbaijan, marking an important international gathering. Azerbaijan was selected to host COP29 during the COP28 plenary session in Dubai on December 11, 2023.

During two weeks, from November 11 through 22, Baku will welcome around 70,000 to 80,000 international guests, including leaders from governments, business and civil society to advance concrete solutions to the record-high global temperatures, and extreme weather events affecting people around the globe.

A key focus of COP29 will be on finance, as trillions of dollars are required for countries to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives and livelihoods from the worsening impacts of climate change.

The conference will also be a key moment for countries to present their updated national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, which are due by early 2025. If done right, these plans will limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and double as investment plans advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

By Khagan Isayev