Media Advisory
November 15, 2016
Contact:
US: Laura Rehrmann, press@c2es.org, 703-516-4146
Marrakech: Anthony Mansell, press@c2es.org, 703-516-4146
Major companies back Paris Agreement
Hear from companies at livestreamed event today
MARRAKECH – At an event today at COP 22 in Marrakech, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) will highlight climate action by business, including a recent statement signed by 11 leading corporations in support of the Paris Agreement.
The event, to be held at the U.S. Center at the U.N. Climate Change Conference, will feature remarks by senior representatives of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Ingersoll Rand, Mars and Microsoft. They are among the more than 150 U.S. firms that have committed to specific climate actions as part of the American Business Act on Climate Pledge.
The event occurs at 4 p.m. Marrakech time (11 a.m. EST) and will be livestreamed.
C2ES Executive Vice President Elliot Diringer will highlight a statement organized by C2ES and signed by 11 major companies based or with major operations in the United States welcoming the Paris Agreement’s entry into force, and pledging to work with governments to implement their contributions.
The statement, released when the threshold for entry into force was reached in October, says the Paris Agreement establishes “an inclusive, pragmatic and, hopefully, durable framework for progressively strengthening efforts globally to address the causes and consequences of climate change.”
The statement was endorsed by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Calpine, HP Inc., Intel, LafargeHolcim, Microsoft, National Grid, PG&E, Rio Tinto, Schneider Electric, and Shell.
“As businesses concerned about the well-being of our investors, our customers, our communities and our planet, we are committed to working on our own and in partnership with governments to mobilize the technology, investment and innovation needed to transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy,” the statement says.
It says the Paris Agreement facilitates stronger private sector action by providing long-term direction, promoting transparency, addressing competitiveness, and facilitating carbon pricing.
“Many companies recognize the costly impacts of climate change, and see investment and growth opportunities in a clean-energy transition,” said C2ES President Bob Perciasepe. “These companies are taking action and are looking to governments to help lead the way.”
EVENT DETAILS:
CHARTING A LOW-CARBON COURSE FOR THE U.S. ECONOMY
Tuesday, November 15, 2016, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. local time (11 a.m.-Noon EST)?U.S. Center, Blue Zone, Marrakech
Senior officials from major corporations discuss ways business leadership can help achieve climate goals in this live-streamed event co-sponsored with the Edison Electric Institute (EEI).
• Cathy Woollums, Senior Vice President, Environmental Services and Chief Environmental Counsel, Berkshire Hathaway Energy
• Nanette Lockwood, Global Director, Policy and Advocacy, Ingersoll Rand
• Kevin Rabinovitch, Global Sustainability Director, Mars Incorporated
• Tamara “TJ” DiCaprio, Senior Director of Environmental Sustainability, Microsoft
• Elliot Diringer, Executive Vice President, C2ES
• Eric Holdsworth, Senior Director, Climate Programs, EEI
For reporters in Marrakech, C2ES will also host a second side event:
Post-Election: The Outlook for U.S. Climate Policy
November 16, 2016
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
IETA Pavilion, Blue Zone
• Nathanial Keohane, Vice President, Global Climate, Environmental Defense Fund
• Josh Klein, Senior Professional Staff, Senate Foreign Relations Committee
• Matt Rodriquez, Secretary for Environmental Protection, California
• Cathy Woollums, Senior Vice President, Environmental Services and Chief Environmental Counsel, Berkshire Hathaway Energy
• Elliot Diringer, Executive Vice President, C2ES
C2ES Resources
• UNFCCC Climate Transparency: Lessons Learned
• Key Issues in Completing the Paris Climate Architecture
• Linking Non-State Action with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
About C2ES: The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization promoting strong policy and action to address our energy and climate challenges. Learn more at www.c2es.org.