US, Argentina Join Forces Against Climate Change

U.S. President Barack Obama and Argentinian President Mauricio Macri recently agreed to work together to fight climate change, according to a Reuters report.

Mr. Obama, in his first visit to the Latin American nation, met with the newly elected Mr. Macri to discuss international relations and strengthen ties. In their talks, they have agreed to join forces to cut their carbon emissions and invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

In a fact sheet released by the White House, the two countries have agreed on several points, such as signing and joining the Paris global climate agreement, phasing down hydrofluorocarbons, increasing renewable energy use and protecting oceans and seas.

Argentina has also announced its plans to enhance its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution or INDC.

Used under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the INDC aims for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The United States and Argentina also agreed to cut down emissions from international aviation.

In terms of energy and power, both countries committed to energy efficiency and investment in renewable energy. According to the fact sheet, U.S. and Argentina will "cooperate on scaling up renewables, including through U.S. assistance on market reform, system optimization and integrating renewable energy in the power grid."

In 2014, only about 10 percent of all energy consumed in the U.S. are from renewable sources, according to the Energy Information Administration. The highest consumed energy source is petroleum, amounting to about 35 percent of all energy.

Argentina, on the other hand, is still largely dependent on fossil fuels. In its total energy mix, it represents about 87 percent, as per this energy report. In 2025, the country aims to increase its renewable energy use to 20 percent.

The two countries also agreed to work together for marine protection and conservation, with continuous collaborations and partnerships between relevant agencies and their counterparts in the other country.