![]() Today, it is scientists who fight that daily battle to understand and expose the forces that shape our world, from a terrible disease to changes in our climate that now threaten us all. In ancient times, the rising and the setting of the sun was a daily battle between the God Ra and a Giant Serpent – the “enemy of truth and light.” We are instructed through earliest scripture, literature and storytelling, to be stewards of the earth – caretakers.īut there is another principle that unites our ancestors with the modern world: a belief that, as we listen to and learn from one another, we must be honest. Remember, all of the children of Abraham share in this teaching, as do many spiritual and philosophical traditions. Still today, many people consider protecting our planet as a matter of faith. This early history is its own monument to human ingenuity, and as the hosts of the next COP this November, Egypt can help us all take the next critical steps to save civilization.Īncient Egyptians revered the earth– from the sun and the moon, to birds and cats, reeds and serpents and waters – all of it kept holy and sacred. It is particularly fitting to gather in Egypt, known as the “Mother of the World.” Not far from here, our forebearers established much of early world civilization – embodied not just in physical wonders like the magnificent pyramids but also in innovations and traditions that endure today, including days of 24 hours, years of 365 days, and a world that could be measured with algebra. You are preparing to host delegates and stakeholders from around the world for what is, with no exaggeration, a continuation of one of the most important conversations in the history of human beings. Not because President Biden or I say so – but because scientists around the world are compiling evidence that is screaming at us to protect the planet and act now to avoid the worst consequences of the climate crisis. We must make these months count for the climate fight with all the passion and energy we can summon. I come here now because these 8 months are filled with promise and challenge, and it is imperative we – all of us – do everything in our power to give life to the many commitments of COP26 in Glasgow. It’s really good to be here, some 8 months before Egypt will host COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh. ![]() On behalf of President Biden, I bring you all the goodwill of the United States, and a greeting of peace in the midst of an ongoing pandemic and uncertainty: As-Salaam-Alaikum. ![]() Speaking of leading the way, I’m especially glad we are joined by students in the Tomorrow Leader’s program and young climate leaders of the Ambassador’s Youth Council. Just another example of how this institution has led the way for more than a century, including on climate as the first university in the region to track your carbon footprint and at your Center for Applied Research on the Environment and Sustainability. It’s an honor to be here, and to speak from a stage where the great musician Louis Armstrong once played jazz. Today, I am here to talk about another threat to the planet: our changing climate. Thanks also to President Dallal and everyone at AUC.Īt the outset, we know the world is appropriately focused and following the situation in Ukraine, where critical values and countless lives are at stake. Good afternoon and thank you, Ambassador Cohen, for that generous introduction and for representing our nation and supporting our staff here in Egypt. John Kerry, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate
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