The Paleontological Research Institution issues statement in response to US rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 26, 2021

Ingrid Zabel, PhD

Climate Change Education Manager

The Paleontological Research Institution issues statement in response to U.S. rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement

 Ithaca, NY- The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) expresses its strongest possible support of President Biden’s decision to rejoin the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Climate change is a global crisis and cannot be solved without the U.S.’s active involvement, especially since our country is one of the world’s three largest emitters of greenhouse gases. We have a responsibility to develop and implement an energy policy that sharply reduces greenhouse gas emissions, to prevent harm to people, built and natural systems, and economies around the world–including our own.

Climate change is already upon us, and more extreme storms, extended wildfire seasons, and increased flooding are just some of its present impacts. While as a nation we have lost four years in the race to head off these challenges, many state and local governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals in the U.S. have kept up their efforts during this time. Rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement affirms these actions and brings our country back to the international table.

PRI is proud to actively participate in reducing its own greenhouse gas emissions and in educating the public about climate change science, impacts, and solutions. In the spirit of the U.S. rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, we rededicate ourselves to stepping up our own efforts to address the climate crisis.

About the Paleontological Research Institution 

The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) pursues and integrates education and research, and interprets the history and systems of the Earth and its life, to increase knowledge, educate society, and encourage wise stewardship of the Earth. PRI and its two public venues for education, the Museum of the Earth and the Cayuga Nature Center, are separate from, but formally affiliated with Cornell University, and interact closely with numerous University departments in research, teaching, and public outreach. 

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