Remarks to UN Security Council Open Debate on Energy, Security and Climate

Corrected Text

Madame President.

Climate change clearly presents serious challenges.

Under the able presidency of the United Kingdom in Gleneagles two years ago, G8 leaders emphasized that energy security, climate change and sustainable development are fundamentally linked.

In consultation with our developing country partners, G8 leaders committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the global environment, and enhance energy security in ways that promote human development.

To achieve these goals, the United States is pursuing a wide range of activities and programs. For example:

We are working with Brazil to advance biofuels.

We facilitated an agreement with China to install the largest coalmine methane power facility in the world.

Through the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate, we are expanding investment and trade in cleaner energy technologies.

We are leading global efforts for the commercial deployment of near-zero-emissions coal technology through $1.65 billion in tax credits.

The U.S. Energy Policy Act authorizes $5 billion over five years in tax incentives to encourage private investments in energy efficiency and alternative renewable energy.

We dedicate about $180 million a year to promote adaptation to climate variability and change and to other climate change priority areas in developing countries.

At home, we are on track to meet our goal of reducing our economy's greenhouse gas intensity by 18% from 2002 to 2012.

We have invested some $35 billion in climate-related science and technology since 2001, including over $12 billion to develop cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy sources.

Internationally, climate and energy issues are being actively addressed through the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and other venues with appropriate mandates.

The Bush Administration has pledged $320 million to the Global Environmental Facility for the next three fiscal years. This is the largest contribution of any country, to help developing countries address environmental problems, including those related to climate change.

These efforts matter – including because a lack of energy security can exacerbate economic and political problems.

The most effective way to bolster security and stability is to increase the capacity of states to govern effectively. States that govern effectively can better anticipate and manage change and the challenges that come with change.

Successful development strategies focus on education, rule of law, human freedom and economic opportunity. The international community joined together in recognizing this at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002.

Well-governed countries grow and prosper. Economic growth provides the resources, in both developed and developing countries, to address energy and environmental challenges, including challenges associated with climate change.

Madame President, the United States has a long history of extending a helping hand so that people can live in democratic societies with robust economies and strong and stable governance. We intend to continue that support, working with freedom-loving people everywhere to face the future constructively with confidence and determination.

Thank you.