Posted in: news
19th April 2016
Today more than 100 companies in the US raised their voices in support of action to implement the Paris Climate Agreement and called for swift government implementation of the Clean Power Plan.
The 110 companies signing the open letter, coordinated by Ceres, represent some of the largest companies in the US and include Salesforce, Unilever, The Huffington Post, Mars and IKEA. You can see the full list of signatories here. They note that failure to build a low carbon economy will put America’s prosperity at risk, whereas taking action now will create jobs and boost competitiveness. They've pledge to do their part to realize the vision of a thriving, just net-zero emissions economy, and want national leadership to do the same.
On Earth Day 2016, a record 155 national leaders will meet in New York to ratify the COP21 Climate Agreement, made in Paris last year. The Paris Agreement set a clear long-term goal for the world; to limit warming below 2 degrees celsius, and leave the door open to limit it to 1.5 degrees. By ratifying the agreement on April 22nd, world leaders take an important step in bringing it into force.
Progressive businesses and investors are already leading the way to a net-zero economy; committing to and investing in renewable energy and setting long-term goals to align their operations behind. Bold national action, such as that of the UK government, who earlier this year enshrined their goal for net-zero emissions by 2050 into law, is needed to accelerate this transition and match businesses ambition to reach the agreement.
At the heart of the US’ climate change commitment is the Clean Power Plan, which will decrease emissions from the nation’s power plants by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. The Plan has been held in a temporary stay by the U.S. Supreme Court until legal issues are resolved, despite business and consumer support. With this letter US business shows its unequivocal support for the Clean Power Plan and fast, effective action to meet the Paris Agreement.
To read the full open letter and see all the signatories click here.