Yet accelerating transition to net zero carbon emissions requires a rapid and massive change in the energy landscape that “could cause severe damage to the economy,” Thomas Pyle, president of the US Energy Alliance, said last month.
Environmental activists estimate that the five rich northern countries – the United States, Canada, Australia, Norway and the United Kingdom – that talk about cutting emissions are responsible for more than half of the planned expansion of oil and gas drilling by 2050. . The United States accounted for more than a third.
So activists and protesters at Sunday’s march say they are aiming their frustration — and pressure — at Biden and the US.
However, Biden has repeatedly touted last year’s Inflation Reduction Act, which included $375 billion to fight climate change, mostly on solar panels, energy efficiency, air pollution controls and coal and gas-fueled power. Emission reduction equipment for plants is included.
“They want to be seen as good people, but the fact is they have very little to back it up,” said Brandon Wu, policy director for ActionAid USA. He pointed to new drilling plans and said the United States has failed to live up to its promises to give climate-based financial aid to poor countries and has not increased its funding pledges like other countries.
“How much carnage does the planet have to endure for global leaders to take action?” Su said. “We want President Biden and other major oil and gas producers to phase out fossil fuels.”
