WORLD

Biden chided Xi and Putin for skipping the UN climate summit

United States President Joe Biden  on Tuesday criticized Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for skipping the United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow as well as the recent Group of 20 (G20) summit in Rome, questioning their commitment to fight climate change as other world leaders have sought consensus.

Biden during a news conference at the Glasgow summit, known as COP26, went after China and Russia for what he said was lack of action on some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Though Biden appeared in person, both Xi and Putin were physically absent from the summit. Xi submitted a written statement for COP26, while Putin appeared in a pre-recorded video.

“By showing up, we’ve had a profound impact on the way I think the rest of the world is looking at the US and its leadership role. I think it’s been a big mistake, quite frankly, for China not showing up,” the president said emphatically.

“The rest of the world is going to look to China and ask what value added are they providing. They’ve lost an ability to influence around the world and all the people here at COP, the same way I would argue with regard to Russia,” he added.

When Biden was later asked how he would get skeptical US lawmakers on board for cutting carbon emissions when countries like China and India have not yet done so, the president was blunt in assessing the importance of his efforts.

“Because we want to be able to breathe and we want to be able to lead the world,” he said. “I mean this sincerely. The fact that China is trying to assert, understandably, a new role in the world as a world leader. Not showing up? Come on. The single most important thing that’s caught the attention of the world is climate.”

“Everywhere, from Iceland to Australia, it’s a gigantic issue. They walked away. How do you do that and claim to be able to have a leadership mantle? Same with Putin and Russia. His tundra is burning … literally, the tundra is burning. He has serious climate problems, and he is mum on the willingness to do anything,” he added.

While in Rome last week, Biden also chastised China and Russia for their lack of commitments on climate matters.

 

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