Biden: "Let's Reduce Methane Emissions by 30% by 2030"

Remarks at the Major Economies Forum (MEF) Virtual Summit on Energy and Climate

President Moon Jae-in is attending the 'Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate (MEF)' held via video conference on the afternoon of the 17th at the Yeomin-gwan video conference room in the Blue House, listening to the opening remarks by U.S. President Joe Biden. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Joe Biden called on countries to take bold actions to combat climate change by reducing methane emissions.

On the 17th (local time), during the opening remarks at the virtual summit of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate (MEF), President Biden announced that he is cooperating with the European Union (EU) and others to establish the 'Global Methane Pledge,' which aims to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 compared to 2020, urging the international community to join the effort.

According to the White House, the meeting was attended by nine heads of state, including President Moon Jae-in, as well as leaders from Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Italy. This was fewer than the 40 heads of state who participated in the virtual climate summit held in April, which included Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

President Biden emphasized, "This collective goal is ambitious yet realistic. I urge you to join us in announcing it at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). We all must act now."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who attended the meeting, pledged to join the Global Methane Pledge, and President Moon expressed Korea's commitment to actively play a role in carbon neutrality while seeking ways to reduce methane emissions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.