NEW YORK: International not-for-profit, The Climate Group, today responds to the US administration’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate.
Helen Clarkson, Chief Executive, The Climate Group said: “The US Government’s decision is disappointing. The belief that the agreement will restrict jobs and competitiveness is counter to the views we have heard from businesses and governments globally. There is a clear economic and business case for investing in clean energy.
“This is not the death knell for the Paris Agreement. Businesses, US states and sub-national governments globally are showing real commitment and leadership on climate change that will continue regardless of the decisions taken by President Trump today.”
“The clearest cost from today’s announcement will be to future US economic growth. National policies to reduce US emissions and boost clean energy to date have helped create jobs for nearly 800,000 Americans, with another 2.2 million Americans working on energy efficiency. With China, India and the EU all embarking on clean energy transition policies, the US should be seeking to make the most of these opportunities to drive innovation, jobs and prosperity - not turning back.”
The Climate Group is secretariat to the Under2 Coalition, the leading sub-national government coalition globally, where 170 jurisdictions around the world – including in the US 10 states and 8 cities - are committed to delivering the Paris Agreement; together they represent over 1.18 billion people and a third of the global economy. Additionally, the organization works with leading businesses to drive action; through its RE100 campaign 95 global multinationals have committed to using 100% renewable power.
She added: “There is now a need and opportunity for them and other global businesses and governments to maintain progress and limit global temperature rises to well below 2 degrees Celsius.”
The Paris Agreement is the result of more than two decades of negotiation to create a truly global response to climate change. It includes contributions from almost 200 countries around the world.
For further information, please contact:
Nazneen Nawaz, Head of Media and Corporate Communications, The Climate Group
[email protected] / 020 7960 2716
Notes to editors
About The Climate Group
The Climate Group works internationally with leading businesses, states and regions to deliver a world of net zero greenhouse gas emissions and greater prosperity for all. We are at the forefront of ambitious climate action. Our focus is on collaborative programs with corporate and government partners that deliver impact on a global scale. The Climate Group stimulates action by businesses, states and regions, bringing them together to develop and implement the policies that make change happen. We also communicate their achievements to secure global public acceptance of, and even greater ambition for, a prosperous, net-zero future for all. The Climate Group is an international non-profit with offices in Beijing, London, New Delhi and New York.