Stating failure to do so could put America’s prosperity at risk, hundreds of companies and investors have signed an open letter urging President-elect Trump and other leaders to keep climate policies.
Launched in November, Business Backs Low Carbon USA has now attracted more than 630 signatories.
Among the companies are DuPont, eBay, Mars Incorporated, Levi Strauss & Co., Kellogg Company, Virgin and Starbucks. Even Monsanto has joined the club.
“We want the US economy to be energy efficient and powered by low-carbon energy. Cost-effective and innovative solutions can help us achieve these objectives,” says part of the joint statement; which is also directed to Members of the US Congress and global leaders.
Accompanying the statement are a series of quotes from various signatories, including Johnson & Johnson.
“We are proud supporters of a Low-Carbon USA because as the largest, most broadly based healthcare company in the world, we understand that healthy people need a healthy planet,” said Paulette Frank, VP Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability.”.
“We have and will continue to do our part to reduce our carbon emissions and increase our use of renewable energy until we reach our ultimate aspiration of 100% renewable electricity.”
The company signatories collectively represent approximately $1.15 trillion in annual revenue and employ around 1.8 million people.
The investor signatories, which collectively manage more than $2 trillion in assets, include New York State Common Retirement Fund and the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS).
The joint statement was coordinated by a number of groups; including Ceres, Environmental Defense Fund, The Climate Group and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Ceres says nearly half of Fortune 500 companies have targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, buy renewable energy and/or increase energy efficiency.
The letter was developed in the wake of fears President-elect Trump will “cancel” last year’s Paris climate agreement, dismantle the EPA and gut renewable energy programs.
The USA saw great deal of progress on renewables during the 8 years of the Obama Administration; reaching 31GW of solar energy capacity and 75GW of wind power. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are now employed in the low carbon electricity generation and energy efficiency sectors.
