Washington, D.C. – The Ninth Annual Summit of the Americas next month should focus its regional security strategy on the need to address climate change and its impact on economic, political, and social stability in the region, according to a new analysis from the Center for American Progress.
With President Joe Biden hosting the event in Los Angeles June 6-10, the White House and regional leaders should make climate action the centerpiece of regional security discussions. This can help counter backsliding on climate action by countries that are increasing fossil fuel production or considering new exploration.
“The Summit of the Americas is an opportunity for climate action that ensures safety and prosperity in the Americas,” said Frances Colón, senior director for International Climate Policy at CAP and co-author of the column. “There is no time to waste.”
The column argues that the Summit of the Americas is a critical moment to make progress in the following areas:
- Mobilizing commitments and financing to enable a clean energy transition
- Prioritizing climate action in supply chains
- Elevating climate migration and adaptation solutions in the regional security narrative
- Leveraging subnational and non-state support toward climate action
Read the column: “The 9th Summit of the Americas is an Opportunity to Center Climate Action in Regional Security,” by Joel Martinez and Frances Colón.
For more information, or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected] or 240-899-9436.