AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Chair.

The United States recognizes that climate change is a complex global challenge. While we join consensus on this resolution, we must take this opportunity to make important points of clarification.

The United States continues to review and develop its policies related to climate change. The language on climate change in this resolution and other resolutions adopted at this session of the UN General Assembly is without prejudice to evolving U.S. positions.

With regard to this resolution’s references to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the Paris Agreement, and climate change, we addressed our concerns in a General Statement delivered on November 17. We note that on August 4, the United States communicated to the U.N. depository that it intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement as soon as it is eligible to do so, consistent with the terms of the Agreement, unless the President can identify suitable terms for re-engagement.

Further, we note that references to provisions of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change or the Paris Agreement and decisions by their parties do not change or interpret the meaning or applicability of these instruments and decisions.

As a global leader in innovation, the United States stands ready to continue working with others on this important issue.

Thank you.