The 42nd commemoration of Earth Day on April 22 provides an opportunity to celebrate the environment as well as assess the work needed to protect the natural gifts of the planet that we share.  Climate change remains one of the greatest environmental threats facing us today.  While I am proud to say that the United States is taking action to meet this challenge, the truth is that no one nation can solve this crisis on its own. Climate change is a global concern that demands a global solution.

The adverse impact of climate change is already being felt; unfortunately, the consequences will be particularly severe on island nations, including The Bahamas. Sea levels are rising, oceans are becoming more acidic, storms are becoming more frequent and intense, and water supplies are increasingly at risk from droughts and floods.  The Bahamas, like many other island nations, has abundant renewable resources, making it an ideal place to showcase the benefits of renewable energy and be a role model for the rest of the world. 

Both American and Bahamian government decision-makers, non-governmental organizations, business leaders, and individual citizens are asking how we can best prepare our communities for the impact of climate change.  In light of this shared concern, the United States is investing significant resources in researching, developing and deploying clean energy technology. The Obama Administration’s support of green technologies has shown us that building a sustainable, clean energy economy reduces long term energy costs in addition to helping drive new investment and job creation.  Thanks to government incentives, businesses, local governments and private citizens across America are now installing wind turbines, investing in solar panels, trading in their SUVs for hybrid cars and developing breakthrough energy solutions, such as carbon capture and storage technologies, next generation biofuels, and advanced batteries. 

The Obama Administration is also working to accelerate the introduction of clean technologies to Caribbean countries through multilateral mechanisms that provide technical assistance and training.  Reflecting this vision, Under the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas, launched by President Obama at the Summit of the Americas in 2009, the United States has leveraged more than $150 million in government investment to support more than 40 initiatives.  In addition, through the international partnership for Energy Development in Island Nations (EDIN), the U.S. Department of Energy is assisting governments and businesses in island nations across the globe in identifying technology, financing, and policy solutions that allow them to tap into their renewable energy resources and deploy energy efficiency measures.

The fundamental purpose of these partnerships is to promote sustainable growth that benefits all of our citizens. By working together, every nation in this region is capable of producing cleaner, cheaper, more reliable energy, and in so doing, will ensure sustainable energy growth, increased investment, a more diversified economy and new employment opportunities.  We cannot waste this opportunity to invest in the future of our planet.