05 April 2001

Transcript: U.S. Statement on Climate Change to OSCE

"While today we may not all agree on the most appropriate means to address climate change, the United States recognizes that it is a serious problem that affects every one of us," and it hopes to develop innovative approaches to meet this challenge, U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe David T. Johnson said in Vienna April 5.

In a statement to the OSCE Permanent Council, Johnson said the United States does not support the Kyoto Protocol because the negotiations "were not leading to a comprehensive, equitable, or effective solution to the climate change problem."

Following is a transcript of his remarks:

U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Vienna

Statement On Kyoto Protocol And Climate Change

Delivered by Ambassador David T. Johnson to the Permanent Council
Vienna, April 5, 2001

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I would like to thank the European Union, as well as my other colleagues, for sharing their views with us this morning.

The United States remains a party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and it will continue to seek ways to address this complex problem. The United States is committed to addressing the issue of climate change in a manner that protects our environment and our economy.

We oppose the Kyoto Protocol because it, in fact, exempts many countries from compliance and would cause, we believe, serious harm to the economy of the United States. In our view, the Protocol negotiations were not leading to a comprehensive, equitable, or effective solution to the climate change problem.

The United States is undertaking a cabinet-level review of our climate change policy. This review will consider what policies the United States should pursue both domestically and internationally.

We believe that we are taking a responsible approach by going through this rigorous, disciplined review process, examining both the science and the options fully. We have taken these steps in an open and in a transparent manner, and have made our views clear.

While today we may not all agree on the most appropriate means to address climate change, the United States recognizes that it is a serious problem that affects every one of us.

We are optimistic that by working constructively with our friends and allies through established and appropriate international processes dealing with global climate change, we can develop technologies, market-incentives, and other innovative approaches to meet this challenge.

Once our policy review is complete, I am certain we will continue to exchange ideas on this matter in the specialized process of negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

(end transcript)