Climate Week NYC ends with leaders confident of COP21 deal as coalition working with 6 million companies announce support
The Climate GroupSeptember 28, 2015, New York: Key figures who will shape the outcome of December’s UN climate conference in Paris, today came together in New York alongside business and sub-national leaders who set out major commitments to cut emissions – and called on negotiators in Paris to match their ambition.
Today’s event coincided with a Financial Times advertisement from organizations working with 6 million companies calling for an ambitious climate deal.
Todd Stern, President Obama’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, said:
“The stars are more aligned now for an historic universal agreement [in Paris] than they have ever been.
“So let’s work together. Let’s keep our eyes on the prize. And let’s get this done.”
Todd Stern, US Special Envoy for Climate Change speaking at
Climate Week NYC: 2015 convened by The Climate Group
Prakash Javadekar, India’s Environment Minister confirmed publication of its INDC on October 1, and said:
“I believe Paris will be a success. We must ensure annual reviews so there is no backsliding. India is committed to building a green economic future because this will help poverty eradication.”
Laurence Tubiana, French Government Special Ambassador for COP21, said:
“I’ve seen a sea change compared to previous years, particularly with the mobilisation of business, cities and subnational governments. Many world leaders are also now calling for deep decarbonisation, sending positive signals and creating the conditions for success.”
Also speaking at the event were companies who announced plans to switch to 100% renewable energy, joining RE100 and adopting new carbon targets, including Walmart, Procter & Gamble, Nike, Goldman Sachs, Siemens, Philips, IKEA, Kellogg, Skypower, and BT.
Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, said: “The extraordinary wealth of climate action announced by governments, cities, investors and companies during Climate Week 2015 has been truly breathtaking. Confidence is building towards Paris and a new universal climate agreement.”
Climate Week NYC is organized by The Climate Group and is an annual international event that brings together leading governments, investors, businesses, innovators and opinion formers. Mark Kenber, CEO of The Climate Group, said: “The wind is in our sails. A deal in Paris is now highly likely, and – judging from the commitment of key businesses and major economic regions – we may be on the cusp of a major transition to a prosperous, low carbon economy.”
Climate Week NYC is a key event in the international calendar that brings together leading governments, investors, businesses, innovators and opinion formers. The Climate Group launched Climate Week NYC in 2009, and has acted as the secretariat since its inception.
Host to more than 120 affiliate events from September 21-28, Climate Week NYC 2015 is the collaborative space for climate events in support of the UN Summit to adopt the Post-2015 Development Agenda.
Climate Week NYC 2015 is supported by BT Group, Siemens, Procter & Gamble, Nike, SkyPower, SolarCity, CBRE Group, and Bank of the West – BNP Paribas; and the We Mean Business coalition members: BSR, The B Team, CDP, Ceres, The Climate Group, The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group and WBCSD.
ClimateWeekNYC.org | @ClimateWeekNYC | #CWNYC
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