Joe Biden has won the United States of America election after attaining and surpassing the minimum 270 Electoral College delegates required to head to the White House. Pitted against the incumbent, Donald J. Trump; Joe Biden put up a spirited performance which earned him the ticket in a hotly contested plebiscite.

In the context of environmental sustainability and climate change discussions, the outcome of the election has far reaching impacts on the ability of the world to fight climate change. It is well known that the United States of America is the second highest emitter of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the world (5.41 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide) rivalled only by China (ranked first in greenhouse gas emissions) which emits 10.06 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. Given its global contribution to emissions, it is essential for the United States to step up efforts in climate mitigation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Speaking to prospective voters in various states and caucuses, Biden pledged to return the United States to the Paris Agreement on the first day he assumes office. In a tweet delivered on 5 November 2020, Biden implored, “Today, Trump Administration officially left the Paris Climate Agreement. And in Exactly 77 days, a Biden Administration will join it”

 The Paris Agreement is a climate pact which brings together about 175 Conference of Parties to fight climate change. One of its major highlights includes the formulation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) which set emission reduction targets at national level.

On 20 January 2021 at midday; on the steps of the Capital Building in Washington DC, Biden will be inaugurated, carrying the hopes of many environmental enthusiasts and those who are concerned about the changes in our climate. Whether or not he will live to the billing and deliver a New Green Deal, remains to be seen.

Biden’s promise to scale up the adoption of renewable energy technologies in the United States of America is seen as a key step in halting irreversible warming of the planet. His predecessor had supported fossil fuels in his administration and therefore the change in the leadership helm could signal a policy shift towards cleaner energy sources.

Climate denialism had been one of the key features of the election opponent Donald Trump. The incumbent had believed that climate change was and is a hoax. The chilling win by Biden, could facilitate shift towards science based-views of climate change and accelerated actions by the USA in dealing with climate change.

Joe Biden plans to spend 2 trillion United States Dollars on clean energy sources and work to recover years of climate action demonization. As countries head towards the COP-26 Conference at the end of 2021, it is very clear that the United States of America may play a leading role in accelerated action towards climate mitigation and adaptation.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF), which is the world’s biggest funding source of climate finance looks set to be replenished and the US may end up paying its contributions to the Green Climate Fund.

Author

  • Tawanda Muzamwese

    Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including: 1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency 2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field 3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems 4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series 5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship. His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives. A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.

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