This session examines how a Trump or Biden administration will deal with the global phenomenon of climate change. Climate change is a defining issue of our time, representing a fundamental threat to the earth’s citizens and even the existence of certain states. The international community has mobilized in different ways in response to this challenge, and states vary in their ambitions for future initiatives. Speakers will address what specific laws, regulations, strategies and plans the two U.S. presidential candidates aim to put in place. Do they aim to adhere closely to the multilateral system of mitigation and adaptation initiated by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change? Will they reassess the United States’ relationship with the Paris Agreement, including the general commitment to take continuing efforts to adapt to climate change and mitigate its effects? How will a Biden or Trump administration take into account different national and international interests when formulating and implementing U.S. climate change policy? What partners from different sectors could be most usefully engaged to limit or reduce global emissions? Finally, the panel will assess how a Trump or Biden administration plans to engage with the national and international scientific community over the next four years.
Speakers:
- David Banks, Chief Strategist for the Minority, Policy & Communications, Climate Select Committee, U.S. House of Representatives
- Daniel Bodansky, Professor, Arizona State University College of Law
- K. Russell LaMotte (moderator), Principal, Beveridge & Diamond, LLP
- Allison Starmann, General Counsel, American Chemistry Council