Third Way: IPCC Report Reinforces it is Time to Use Every Zero-Carbon Resource to Address Climate Change

Third Way’s Josh Freed: The United States must start acting like a global leader again…. using every low and zero-emissions technology…And it means building as much of it as we can, as quickly as possible.

WASHINGTON — Third Way released the following statement from Josh Freed, Senior Vice President for the Climate and Energy Program:

“Winston Churchill famously said, ‘You can always count on the Americans to do the right thing after they have tried everything else.’ The IPCC Report shows unequivocally that we are experiencing the impacts of a hotter planet more acutely, now, than scientists had imagined even one decade ago. This terrifying report makes it clear: we must act. Because we have tried everything else – denial, delay, and despair. Now, the United States must lead the world in a planet-saving battle against climate change.

“While we shouldn’t sugarcoat this report, there is still a window for us to change our priorities and policies. The United States must start acting like a global leader again. That is exactly what we are doing in the historic actions being advanced by the Biden Administration and Democrats in Congress that reduce carbon pollution, and create a healthier and more secure future for generations to come. This means using every low and zero-emissions technology, including nuclear power, carbon removal and carbon capture, renewables, and hydrogen. And it means building as much of it as we can, as quickly as possible and sharing these technologies, resources, and values with the rest of the world.

“We can do this, and do it in a way that engages communities and creates good-paying jobs. To start, Congress must pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and then a robust, bold, and pragmatic reconciliation package which will help place the U.S. on the path to the fastest, fairest path to net-zero emissions by mid-century, prepare its workers for a global clean energy economy, and support future generations. This is a moment for the U.S. to be a leader in addressing the report’s dire warnings, take decisive action, and help the world avert the worst risks from climate change.”