Secretary Clinton made a compelling case for why pollution-reducing investments are in the U.S. interest.In testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made it clear that U.S. investments in global efforts to reduce carbon pollution are strongly in the U.S. interest. She also made the case for why these investments are a key priority. The House Republicans passed a budget which dramatically guts U.S. international investments in efforts to cut carbon pollution, while President Obama’s budget request makes key investments in these efforts. This hearing comes at a critical moment, as there are two competing visions. One budget invests in what is needed, while the other turns a blind eye to the opportunities and challenges that are in front of us.
At a hearing on “Assessing U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities and Needs Amidst Economic Challenges,” she stressed some key points [PDF]:
Why U.S. international investments are in the U.S. short and long-term interest:
The American people today are justifiably concerned about our national debt, but they also want responsible investments in our future …
The Fiscal Year 2012 budget we discuss today will allow us to keep pressing ahead. It is a lean budget for lean times …
Now, there have always been moments of temptation in our country to resist obligations beyond our borders. But each time we have shrunk from global leadership, events summoned us back to reality …
Generations of Americans have grown up successful and safe because we chose to lead the world in tackling its greatest challenges.
Why investing in efforts to address climate change is a key U.S. priority:
Let me now walk you through a few of our key investments …
We are making targeted investments in human security. We have focused on hunger, disease, climate change, and humanitarian emergencies, because these challenges not only threaten the security of individuals — they are the seeds of future conflict. If we want to lighten the burden on future generations, then we must make the investments that will leave them a more secure world …
Climate change threatens food security, human security, and our national security. Our budget builds resilience against droughts, floods, and other weather disasters, promotes clean energy, and preserves tropical forests. And it gives us leverage to persuade China, India and other nations to do their essential part to meet this urgent threat.
Clinton made a compelling case for why these investments are in the U.S. interest and why they should be a priority. Her comments echo the facts and the case made by American companies, military leaders, farmers, ranchers, and religious groups.
Hopefully the House Republicans will listen and will step back from their efforts to gut international climate change investments.
