Biden Refuses To Do His Job
President Biden has made the decision to skip the upcoming United Nations climate summit in Azerbaijan, marking the second year in a row that he will not participate in this significant global event. This absence follows his attendance at the first two COP summits of his presidency, showcasing a notable shift in his engagement with international climate discussions.
The COP29 summit is scheduled to take place in Baku from November 11 to November 22, and Biden’s absence raises questions about his administration’s commitment to addressing climate issues on the world stage. In 2023, Biden also missed COP28 in Dubai, where Vice President Kamala Harris represented the United States. The White House has not yet confirmed whether Harris will attend this year’s summit, but her potential candidacy for the presidency could complicate matters as transition planning may already be in progress.
Leading the U.S. delegation to COP29 will be senior White House climate adviser John Podesta, along with key figures such as Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. These leaders are expected to advocate for U.S. interests, yet the absence of Biden himself sends a mixed message about America’s commitment to climate initiatives, especially after the previous administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. Biden rejoined this pact shortly after taking office, aiming to reaffirm the United States’ role in global climate leadership.
Interestingly, Biden is not alone in his decision to miss the summit. Other prominent leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, are also expected to be absent. This is particularly noteworthy given that the U.S., China, and India are the top three emitters of greenhouse gases, which makes their participation crucial for any effective climate dialogue.
Moreover, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who recently attended COP28 and reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to climate action, has also canceled his plans to attend this year due to health issues. These high-profile absences raise important questions about the future of global climate cooperation and whether the current leadership is genuinely dedicated to tackling this pressing issue.
