Pelosi: 'We Have Come to China Because We Believe the U.S. and China Must Confront the Challenge of Climate Change Together'
'We have come here, in the spirit of cooperation, because we believe China and the United States can, and must, confront the challenge of climate change together,' Pelosi said in her speech to the U.S.-China Clean Energy Forum.
Later in the day, the delegation met with environmentalists at leading non-profit organizations in China to discuss their work in protecting the environment and addressing global warming.
Tomorrow, the delegation will meet with the top leaders of the Chinese government, including President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, and the Chairman of the National People's Congress, Wu Bangguo.
In addition to Pelosi, the other members of the congressional delegation, all experts on issues related to clean energy and the environment, are Congressman Edward Markey (D-MA), Chairman, Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming; Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Ranking Member, Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming; Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR); Congressman Jay Inslee (D-WA); and Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA).
The delegation has been invited to engage in China with national and local government officials, business leaders, students, and environmentalists on many aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including climate change, clean energy, the global financial crisis, human rights, and international trade.
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Below are Pelosi's remarks, as prepared for delivery Tuesday to the U.S.-China Clean Energy Forum:
"Good afternoon. Thank you, Jay Inslee, for that kind introduction. I am proud to be here today joined by my colleagues from Congress, all of whom are experts on issues related to climate change and the environment.
"I would also like to acknowledge Senator John Kerry who is also in China this week. I know you will be hearing from him later today. He has been a great leader for many years on this issue.
PURPOSE OF DELEGATION
"We have come here, in the spirit of cooperation, because we believe China and the United States can, and must, confront the challenge of climate change together. We are the biggest greenhouse gas emitters in the world. We have a responsibility to ourselves, to each other, and to the world. We must work together.
"I know that belief is shared by all the participants at the U.S.-China Clean Energy Forum.
"Our delegation has come here to learn more about the environmental challenges facing China and the policies being proposed by the Chinese government to protect the environment.
"We have come here to engage with Chinese officials at all levels, to engage with American and Chinese business communities, and with Chinese citizens, students, and non-profit organizations.
WAXMAN-MARKEY LEGISLATION
"The timing of our visit to China was planned in anticipation of the international negotiations in Copenhagen in December. The world will be looking to the United States for leadership.
"It just so happens that our visit to China coincides with the House Energy & Commerce Committee passing legislation to establish mandatory reductions in global warming pollution and national standards for renewable electricity.
"This historic and transformational legislation co-authored by Congressman Ed Markey and Henry Waxman will reduce U.S. carbon emissions by 17 percent by 2020; 42 percent by 2030; and by 83 percent by 2050. In addition, the bill will achieve further reductions by setting aside 5 percent of pollution allowances for global forest protection.
ALASKA
"On our way to China, we visited Alaska, the frontline for global warming in our own country. We saw the personal consequences of climate change on Native Alaskans, from villages being relocated because of sea level rise to melting tundra.
"As the Arctic ice cap melts, we lose the reflective capacity of the white ice, and all the sun's energy is absorbed by the blue ocean. This thermal disruption has dire consequences for the future of the planet.
CHINA'S ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
"While China's land does not reach to the Arctic, that thermal disruption is felt here too.
"The glaciers of the Himalayan region are melting affecting the great rivers of Asia down to the Mekong Delta; the Gobi desert is swallowing up grassland and sandstorms are felt in Beijing; rising sea levels threaten millions along China's western coast including the city of Shanghai. And the Yellow River, the cradle of Chinese civilization, is endangered and drying up in many places.
"Premier Wen Jiabao rightly stated that the shortage of clean water threatens ‘the survival of the Chinese nation.'
ACTIONS TAKEN BY CONGRESS ON CLIMATE CHANGE
"We are building upon progress we have already made to reduce our global warming footprint.
"In the last Congress, we passed new energy efficiency standards for buildings, appliances and the first increase in vehicle fuel efficiency in over 30 years. This year, we directed an unprecedented investment in clean energy projects as part of our recovery package.
"Last week, President Obama announced an aggressive timetable for achieving the historic fuel efficiency increases that Congress passed in 2007. And for the first time, we will regulate global warming pollution from vehicles.
"Energy is a pillar of growth of our economy. Dealing with global warming is a national security issue, an environmental health issue, and a moral issue. We must preserve God's creation.
"The United States has taken significant steps, but we a responsibility to do more and, thanks to President Barack Obama, we are striving to meet that challenge.
CHINESE GOVERNMENT ACTIONS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
"This meeting, and others taking place now and in the coming months, show that the U.S. and China must work together and lead on climate change.
"The Chinese government is to be commended for setting aggressive goals on energy and the environment, such as: reducing energy intensity by 20 percent and its major pollutant emissions by 10 percent by 2010; reaching a 16 percent renewable energy share by 2020 including a huge investment in renewable energy in 2008; requiring Chinese cars to get 36 miles per gallon; and crafting a stimulus package with one of the biggest green components of any nation.
"China faces enormous challenges in meeting these goals including lack of compliance by provincial and municipal authorities, insufficient monitoring capability, and limited access to clean technology.
"Nevertheless, we were greatly encouraged by our conversations in Shanghai. We met with civic leaders, NGOs, and businesses, who told us of new energy efficiency standards, the push to produce electric vehicles, commitments to develop more renewable energy, upgrades to old coal fired power plants and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the biggest polluting industries.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
"From my perspective, the global climate crisis is a game changer in the U.S.-China relationship. It is an opportunity we cannot miss.
"Two of the issues which have been priorities of my service in Congress - protecting the environment and promoting human rights - are coming together in addressing the challenge of the global climate crisis. Like human rights, the environment has been a top priority for me in my official and personal life.
"One of my first bills to be signed into law was the International Banking Environmental Protection Act. It is known as the Pelosi Amendment, and it requires development banks to do an environmental assessment and make that information available to indigenous people in the region and the general public before the US can support a project.
"It gave voice to the people. It empowered them by linking protection of the environment and individual rights.
"In every country, not just China and the U.S., the global climate crisis is best surmounted with transparency and openness, respect for the rule of law, and accountability to the people.
"The principle of environmental justice must be upheld. And in recognizing that technology and innovation hold the keys to our success, it is essential that respect for intellectual property rights be upheld.
CONCLUSION
"Both the U.S. and China are called upon to lead in addressing climate change. Our fates are tied together.
"We must work together to advance our mutual interests and promote international security and stability. Energy and the environment is the perfect place for that dialogue and we have a great deal of work to do.
"This issue is as big as the entire world and the solutions are as local as our communities. What is at stake is the future of our planet. We have no choice but to work together and to be successful. I am optimistic that we will be."