Home > NEWS > US creates climate and trade task force to address commerce, manufacturing emissions

US creates climate and trade task force to address commerce, manufacturing emissions

2024-04-20

The U.S. is initiating a fresh trade task force to curb carbon emissions from global trade and manufacturing, announced by White House senior adviser John Podesta during a conference. Podesta outlined the task force's focus on tackling carbon leakage, dumping, and upstream manufacturing emissions. This initiative coincides with the U.S.'s efforts to bolster clean energy technology and manufacturing domestically, amid increasing competition from China.

Podesta, the upcoming U.S. climate change diplomat, highlighted how global trade rules often lead to carbon leakage, where emissions shift from countries with stricter climate policies to those with weaker ones. The task force aims to ensure accessible carbon emissions data for implementing U.S. climate and trade policies, emphasizing standardization and high standards in measuring life cycle emissions.

Additionally, Podesta emphasized deepening dialogue with international partners such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union. The task force seeks to collaborate closely with trade partners to develop standardized methods for measuring embodied emissions, allowing each country to leverage clean manufacturing advantages. Podesta is set to succeed John Kerry as the U.S.' top climate envoy.

Previous: COP29 climate summit host Azerbaijan defends oil and gas investments

Next: UK's greenhouse gas emissions fell 5.4% in 2023 on lower gas use