RE100 companies and other non-state actors have today promised to ensure the ambition set out by the Paris Agreement is met or exceeded, to limit global temperature rise to less than 2 degrees Celsius.
L’Appel de Paris, or the Paris Pledge for Action, is a call to action bringing together a range of voices with one shared vision – the transition to a low carbon economy.
Sending a clear message that non-state players are ready to play their part in climate action, the pledge states:
“We welcome the adoption of a new, universal climate agreement at COP21 in Paris, which is a critical step on the path to solving climate change. We pledge our support to ensuring that the level of ambition set by the agreement is met or exceeded.”
L’Appel de Paris has already been signed by over 400 businesses, 120 investors, 150 cities and regions representing 150 million people and US$11 trillion.
18 RE100 companies have signed the pledge, including Autodesk, Aviva, BROAD Group, BT, Coca-Cola Enterprises, ING, Johnson & Johnson, KPN, Marks & Spencer, Mars, Microsoft, Nestle, Nordea, Philips, Proximus, Royal DSM, Swiss Re and Unilever.
Over the last few weeks several RE100 companies have announced plans for switching to renewable electricity. For example, Unilever has set a goal to source 100% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 – including all grid electricity from renewables by 2020. Meanwhile Coca-Cola Enterprises and ING joined RE100, each committing to go 100% renewable by 2020.
The Paris Pledge is an initiative of the COP21 French Presidency incorporating a range of stakeholders who are already committed to reducing emissions and driving towards a low carbon future. By signing the Paris Pledge these stakeholders are collectively supporting climate action, alongside governments and accelerating the changes needed even before the agreement takes effect in 2020.
L’Appel de Paris remains open to more signatories and all non-state actors are invited to join the call for action in support of the Paris Agreement.