Joe Biden's Climate Optimism

"When I think of climate, I think of jobs. When I think of climate, I think of innovation. When I think of jobs — climate, I think of turning peril into progress. That's why I'm so optimistic about the future. I really am."

President Joe Biden spoke these words this week at the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center in Palo Alto, California. He addressed an audience of climate activists, business leaders, and government officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom .

Biden began his speech by acknowledging the challenges of climate change and expressed optimism about the future. He said that the United States could lead the world in the fight against climate change and will, create good-paying jobs and make the country more competitive.

"When I think of climate, I think of jobs," Biden said. "I think of innovation. I think of turning peril into progress."

He pointed to the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center as an example of how climate resilience can be achieved while creating jobs and promoting economic growth. The centre was once a landfill, but it has been transformed into a thriving wetland ecosystem that provides habitat for wildlife and helps to protect the community from flooding.

Biden then outlined his administration's plan to address climate change, which includes investing in clean energy, reducing emissions, and preparing for the impacts of climate change. He emphasized that the United States can lead the world in this effort and will create "good-paying jobs" and make the country more competitive.

"We can do this," Biden said. "We can turn peril into progress. We can create good-paying jobs and make our country more competitive. We can lead the world in the fight against climate change."

"We have the opportunity to build a better future for our children and grandchildren," Biden said. "A future where we are leading the world in the fight against climate change. A future where we are creating good-paying jobs and making our country more competitive. A future where we are turning peril into progress."

The President's speech reminded me of something Jacinda Ardern said when PM of New Zealand "No one has the luxury of copping out. Not those who deny climate change nor those who believe it’s too far gone. Now is the time for optimism and for hope and, crucially, a plan.”

Youth

Thanking a Stanford student Anna who welcomed him, Biden said, "I want to thank Anna for introducing me. You know, one of the — I always say — I never — and I mean it sincerely: I've been around a long time in public life. I got elected when I was about your age, when I was 28 years old. And you know what? I've never been more optimistic. You and I were talking about the privately. I swear to God, I've never been more optimistic in my life. And the reason I'm optimistic is because of this generation. It's the best educated, the most engaged, the most involved, and the most consequential. They're in — they're in."

It brings to mind his speech last week at the League of Conservation Voters Annual Capital Dinner. 

Biden said. "I said that it's the young people in this country in particular who are leading the way. And I mean that sincerely. That is one of the reasons I'm so incredibly optimistic. This is the best educated, most committed generation in American history, and they're going to take us over the end and just work it out for us."

"When I got elected President, with Kamala's partnership, we vowed to enact the most ambitious climate and environmental justice campaign in American history. And that's exactly what we've done with your help. We've made a lot of progress, but there's so much more to do: Getting to 100 per cent clean electricity by 2035. Moving to all-electric vehicles in the future, made in America. Building 500,000 EV charging stations from coast to coast. Conserving 30 per cent of our lands and waters by 2030. And with your help, I'm optimistic we're going to get it done, especially with the support of so many young people across this country representing your organizations. You represent the best of us. That's not hyperbole. You represent the best of us. That's the God's truth. And you are as important as any group in foreign policy dealing with national concerns because this is, as I said — I'll end where I began — the existential threat to humanity.

Read More "We need more Climate Optimism and Climate Optimists."

As Professor Michael Mann said, “People ask me how I can possibly be optimistic about prospects for averting dangerous climate change in the face of the obstacles standing in our way. I tell them it's simple. It's all about the re-engagement of young folks we are witnessing today."

We need more Climate Optimism and Climate Optimists. Pessimism paralyses. The best thinkers on climate change advocate optimism leading to innovation and creativity.