Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and other Arctic nation elites gathered for a biennial Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in the Canadian Arctic city of Iqaluit, Nunavut. During the meeting, Arctic nation ministers adopted a Framework for Enhanced Action to Reduce Black Carbon and Methane Emissions. In addition, Secretary Kerry took the reins of the eight-nation body as the new Arctic Council chairman.
Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Cathleen Kelly made the following statement on the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting outcomes:
This groundbreaking agreement opens the door for Arctic Council nations and observer states to set national goals to limit black carbon and methane pollution. As the new Arctic Council chairman, Secretary Kerry can lead by announcing bold U.S. initiatives to cut black carbon and methane pollution, including from oil and gas development and flaring. Through these actions, Secretary Kerry could reduce Arctic warming, build momentum for a strong global climate agreement in Paris, and leave behind a climate leadership legacy that will not be forgotten.
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