Energy and Environment Program

Elements Of Shared Framework For Action

Our time together in the Arctic awakened a deeper sense of both urgency and hope. We know that the crisis will not be resolved easily. Understanding the magnitude of the task at hand, we believe that we must “endeavor to act” – and to prevail.
To that end, we developed elements of a shared framework for action.
Those elements are:

• Energy: develop and encourage low-carbon and renewable power sources, as well as efficiency and conservation measures, to move us toward energy security and independence
• Economy: face these difficult challenges in ways that create work, wealth and prosperity; strengthen and adapt critical infrastructure; transform vital industries
• Environment: better understand, protect and restore the health of the Earth’s ecological systems
• Equity: share fairly the burdens and opportunities, especially as they affect the poor and vulnerable (who contribute the least to climate change but are likely to suffer the most)
• Education: teach everyone, especially the next generation, the necessary wisdom and skills to thrive in a low-carbon future

Within this framework, we envision the United States working in harmony with other nations and helping to lead the world in implementing climate solutions.