Robert J. Clarke: US needs allies in battle to help save the planet

Bronagh Key, Michelle Obama, John Key and Barack Obama in New York. Photo / Supplied

When Prime Minister Key and President Barack Obama were in New York attending a special United Nations summit on climate change, the President recognised that the climate change threat was serious, urgent and growing.

He called on world leaders to come together in pursuing policies that allow economies to grow without endangering our planet.

As he put it, our common purpose must be "a world that is safer, cleaner, and healthier than the one we found. And a future that is worthy of our children."

Right now, the international community is working hard to negotiate a new agreement to combat climate change. Rising sea levels, more powerful storms and floods, and more frequent droughts know no borders.

These changes threaten not only the environment, but also security and stability. The time for action is now.

President Obama acknowledges that the United States must be a leader in efforts to combat climate change. It has done more to promote clean energy and reduce carbon pollution in the past eight months than at any other time in history.

The President's economic stimulus package includes more than US$80 billion ($108 billion) for clean energy - the largest ever investment of its kind. Recently instituted vehicle standards will increase fuel economy and reduce emissions.

And the President is supporting comprehensive domestic clean energy legislation to cut emissions 14 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020 and 83 per cent by 2050.

President Obama called these actions "a historic recognition on behalf of the American people and their Government".

He declared: "We understand the gravity of the climate threat. We are determined to act. And we will meet our responsibility to future generations."

But we also understand we cannot go it alone. The US is working with like-minded countries, such as New Zealand, and is engaging key partners through the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate.

Our two countries continue working together on energy and sustainability issues in a variety of locations, including Antarctica and the Pacific.

Much of the invaluable work our scientists do together in the Antarctic focuses on the environment: the ice may look barren, but the programme there is a vital part of international efforts to understand the consequences of climate change.

In the Pacific, in addition to helping island communities on the ground, the recent US Navy Pacific Partnership saw environmental engineers making recommendations to improve long-term sustainable water supplies.

The Energy Development in Island Nations (EDIN) partnership, launched in 2008 by the US, New Zealand, and Iceland, encourages island governments around the world to create energy-efficiency plans and use renewable-energy technologies.

We welcome John Key's announcement that New Zealand will help build a global alliance on research to cut agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. These will play an increasing role in addressing energy needs throughout the Pacific and elsewhere.

More broadly, the recent G20 summit committed to phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies over the medium term while providing targeted support for the world's poorest.

This groundbreaking effort encourages energy conservation, improves energy security, and provides a down payment on our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

It is critical that we work together to prevent unchecked emissions growth among key emerging economies. The International Energy Agency estimates 97 per cent of future emissions growth will come from the developing world.

All countries must be fully engaged. As President Obama said, "We cannot meet this challenge unless all the largest emitters of greenhouse gas pollution act together."

Developed countries need to reduce their emissions substantially by 2020 on an absolute basis, compared to a 2005 or 1990 baseline. Major developing nations must take actions that will substantially reduce their emissions by 2020 on a relative basis, compared to their "business as usual" path.

Other developing countries should focus on preparing low-carbon growth plans - with financial and technical assistance - to guide their longer-term development.

Ultimately, a climate change agreement must be not just about limiting carbon emissions, but about providing a safe pathway for sustainable development.

Clean energy development is the only sustainable way forward. Countries with advanced capabilities must stand ready to develop and disseminate technologies to countries in need.

The US is clear in its intent to secure a strong international agreement that will, as President Obama stated, "allow all nations to grow and raise living standards without endangering the planet".

I am confident that, working together as partners, the US and New Zealand will help meet the challenge, and secure all our children's futures.

* Robert J. Clarke is charge d'affaires and acting ambassador at the American Embassy in Wellington.