30 September 2015: The Major Economies Forum on Climate and Energy (MEF) convened from 29-30 September 2015 in New York, US, on the sidelines of the general debate of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). In a statement to the MEF, US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed his country’s determination to reach an ambitious, effective climate change agreement in Paris, at the upcoming 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In his statement on 29 September, Kerry stated that one of the reasons progress is being made in the climate negotiations is the decision by China and its leaders to take action, noting the recent the China-US agreement had helped provide a way forward. He expressed the hope this would motivate other countries to act, noting that countries representing more than 70% of global emissions have submitted their intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs). He urged every country to make its contribution.

Kerry recalled President Obama’s announcement of new standards that cap the carbon emissions of US power plants, and pointed to China’s announcement that it will implement a national cap and trade programme. He noted the seriousness with which insurance companies take the issue of climate changes, as well as the military, which contends climate change is a security issue.

Regarding concerns expressed that action on climate change will be detrimental to economic growth, Kerry argued that addressing climate change can increase profits, create jobs and improve health, and pointed to the potential of the energy market if the correct signals for a transformation are sent.

The next MEF is expected to take place in November 2015. The MEF, which was launched on 28 March 2009, is intended to facilitate a dialogue among major developed and developing economies, help generate the necessary political leadership to achieve a successful outcome at the annual UN climate negotiations, and advance the exploration of concrete initiatives and joint ventures that increase the supply of clean energy while cutting emissions. The 17 major economies participating in the MEF are: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Russian Federation, South Africa, the UK and the US. [MEF Website] [Statement of US Secretary of State Kerry]