Washington, D.C.—Today in New York City, over 130 world leaders including President Obama, announced climate commitments at the UN Global Climate Summit. The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) is pleased to see the European Union, Palau, and Micronesia call for a phase-out of HFC gases, a class of the most potent greenhouse gases. We look forward to a series of more announcements on HFCs throughout the day.
In response to today’s summit, EIA Executive Director Alexander von Bismarck issued the following statement:
“President Obama reiterated that climate change is happening and the science is deepening, while our citizens call for action. The fastest and most cost-effective way for governments to mitigate 100 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions by 2050 is to phase-out HFCs. We look forward to the progress the United States and other countries will make following today's summit.
“It is also encouraging to know the United States will meet its 17 percent emissions reduction target by 2020, and will release a new target next year. EIA will continue to work with U.S. agencies and the private sector to ensure these reductions in greenhouse gas emissions continue.
“EIA also commends the President for his leadership on addressing climate change and recent actions to phase-out the use of HFCs. We agree with the President that we “are the first generation to feel the effects of climate change, but the last generation who can do something about it." The collective ambition of today’s summit marked an opportune moment in history to move forward.”
Common goals and themes included sustainable development, reforestation, renewable energy, and a pledge to mobilize more than $200 billion by the end of 2015.
Contact:
Maggie Dewane, Press Officer, EIA, 202-483-6621, mdewane@eia-global.org