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Dear President Biden, Dear President Putin
Today we are writing to you on behalf of millions of Greenpeace supporters on a vital issue - the climate emergency. Millions of families in Russia and the US are already experiencing the intense effects of climate change. Devastating fires, melting permafrost, and extreme storms destroy homes, livelihoods, and the countries you treasure. Not only is this impact now wreaking havoc on the lives of Russians and Americans, but it also illustrates what will intensify and expand if the world does not quickly change course. Futures are at stake.
Scientists understand that while we are short on time, the transformation to a better tomorrow is within reach, but only with unparalleled leadership and collaboration. Russia and the US are linked in many ways, from the Arctic and its indigenous communities to fossil fuel resources and the courage of their citizens.
Greenpeace therefore calls on each of you, as world leaders, to give Americans, Russians and the world the authentic climate leadership that we urgently need. The solutions to the climate crisis already exist. What is needed now is clarity, direction and implementation. You can do this to make for a green and just transition at home, and to bring the international community together for the unprecedented collaboration that is required to create a safe, healthy planet for all.
Both Greenpeace Russia and Greenpeace USA, along with allied organizations, have proposed a series of steps for each country's green and equitable transformation, combating climate change while creating new jobs.
For Russia, this is a long-term development program designed to help overcome the climate crisis and make accidents like those in Norilsk and Komi a thing of the past.
A just and green transformation for Russia offers significant positive impacts by diversifying the economy, removing dependence on fossil fuels, while creating modern industries and new jobs. It also means the technological change in the Russian fossil fuel sector, as well as afforestation on abandoned agricultural land.
For the United States, the Green New Deal is a framework for mobilizing the federal government to create millions of family-sustaining union jobs, invest in historically marginalized communities, and at the same time fight the climate and biodiversity crisis. It is based on the vision that the country's struggles - from climate change to systemic racism to unemployment - are all interconnected. By harnessing the full power of the federal government to build an inclusive, renewable energy industry, there is a real chance of getting out of multiple crises at the same time.
The passage of a bold Green New Deal-style stimulus package in the US would now create 15 million new jobs and keep them for the next critical decade.
A green and just transition for Russia and the USA is good for people, good for nature, good for the climate and for a secure and prosperous future.
There are also many opportunities for US-Russia intelligence sharing as you move forward and implement green and equitable transformations in your national context and work towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. This is a moment to show your commitment to the Paris Agreement by putting forward stronger nationally determined contributions, science-centric and in time for COP26 when people around the world rely on you.
President Putin, President Biden - this is a historic moment that young people today and children of the future will look back on and wonder what will be the decisions of leaders like you at this moment when so much is at stake , has driven. This is your moment and your time to find a way forward that will allay your fears, give hope for your future, and secure your respective political legacies.
Sincerely yours,
Jennifer morgan
Managing Director
Greenpeace International
cc: Anatoly Chubais - Special Envoy of the President of the Russian Federation for
Relations with international organizations to achieve sustainable development goals
cc: Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State
cc: John Kerry, US President's Special Envoy for Climate
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Photos: Greenpeace
