29 July 2015
White House Launches American Business Act on Climate Pledge
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The White House has launched the American Business Act on Climate Pledge, supported by 13 of the largest American companies, whose pledges represent more than US$1.3 trillion in revenue in 2014 and a combined market capitalization of at least US$2.5 trillion.

The Pledge recognizes those countries that have already put forward climate targets, and voices support for a strong outcome at the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris in December 2015.

USA Flag27 July 2015: The White House has launched the American Business Act on Climate Pledge, supported by 13 of the largest American companies whose pledges represent more than US$1.3 trillion in revenue in 2014 and a combined market capitalization of at least US$2.5 trillion.

The signatory companies are Alcoa, Apple, Bank of America, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Cargill, Coca-Cola, General Motors, Goldman Sachs, Google, Microsoft, PepsiCo, UPS and Walmart.

The American Business Act on Climate Pledge recognizes those countries that have already put forward climate targets, and voices support for a strong outcome at the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris in December 2015.

Under the American Business Act on Climate Pledge, each participating company has announced new pledges to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increase low-carbon investments, deploy more clean energy, and take other actions to build more sustainable businesses and tackle climate change. The companies’ announcements amount to at least US$140 billion in new low-carbon investment and more than 1,600 megawatts of new renewable energy, in addition to ambitious, company-specific goals to cut GHG emissions by 50%, reduce water intensity by 15%, purchase 100% renewable energy, and pursue zero-net deforestation in supply chains.

Among many other pledges, Alcoa has vowed to reduce its absolute GHG emissions by 50% in the US compared to the 2005 baseline by 2025. Berkshire Hathaway Energy has pledged to invest up to US$15 billion in renewable energy generation, additional to its current US$15 billion investment. Coca-Cola has pledged to reduce the carbon footprint of “the drink in your hand” by 25% by 2020. Apple, Goldman Sachs, Google and Microsoft have pledged to use 100% renewable energy. [White House Press Release]

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