10 Nov, 2020
World Resources Institute hails Biden win as a “New Day for Climate, Equity and the Economy”
WASHINGTON (November 7, 2020) — Joseph R. Biden and Kamala D. Harris have been elected as the next president and vice president of the United States. They received the most votes by a presidential ticket in U.S. history and were able to win several states that Donald Trump won in 2016. The U.S. House of Representatives stayed majority Democrat. The outcome for the composition of the U.S. Senate is very close and currently undetermined.
Following is a statement from Dr. Andrew Steer, President & CEO, World Resources Institute:
“It’s a new day for issues that are critical for American’s health and well-being and for the planet. A record-breaking number of Americans voted for a new direction. They voted for a better, brighter future led by a government that sets policies based on science and evidence. They voted for a worldview that values equity and racial justice, and emphasizes compassion and dignity.“We congratulate Joe Biden who will be the next U.S. president and Kamala Harris, who will be the first woman, the first Black person, and the first Indian-American to be Vice President in U.S. history.”
“The fabric of the country has been badly strained by the pandemic, the economic downturn and a chaotic election. Now is the time for the country to heal and come together. President-elect Biden must quickly turn to protecting people’s health, while rebuilding the economy for all Americans.
“We need to create an economy for the 21st century, not return to last century’s approach. Fortunately, we know that low-carbon solutions will simultaneously improve health, drive economic growth, and reduce dangerous emissions. Investing in renewables and energy efficiency generates more than twice as many jobs as investing in fossil fuels. The new administration should advance policies to restore and better manage natural resources and systems—like food, forests, water, and the ocean—and create sustainable cities and transportation systems that benefit all people.
“In his first 100 days, Biden can set a new course by expediting the energy transition and by restoring rules and regulations that protect public health and the environment. Biden should work with Congress to take action through economic recovery packages and the budget process that will enhance climate resilience, reduce emissions and expand clean energy.
“By re-entering the Paris Agreement on Day One, President-elect Biden can boost confidence in international cooperation and begin to restore U.S. standing in the world. He should put forward a national climate plan with ambitious emissions targets that will accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon economy.
“Over the last four years, U.S. cities, states and businesses have worked together to make progress on climate change, even without federal leadership. Now, we need an all-hands-on-deck approach with national, state and local leaders pulling together for a low-carbon economy, powered by equitable and sustainable growth. These leaders should urge Congress to join the national effort.
“President-elect Biden made climate change a central pillar of his campaign and his victory affirms that climate action can be a winning issue. With climate-related disasters on the rise and the benefits of action becoming clearer, a growing and diverse movement of Americans want national leadership. They want clean energy jobs that benefit everyone. They want policy making guided by science and evidence. They want a world that is healthier, more equitable and more resilient.
“This is a new day for the climate, the environment and the American people. The opportunity for a better tomorrow is possible. There’s not a minute to lose.”
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