A group of US corporate giants has called upon the US Congress to improve and accelerate their attempts to attack climate change and the movement towards a low-carbon economy.
The group, formed by the Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP), understand that by acting on climate change now, their businesses will benefit economically in the future. As a collection of 33 high profile companies, including Nike, IKEA and Ben and Jerry’s, the group have created the ‘Climate Declaration’ and are angling for Congress to promote clean energy and place limits on carbon emissions, which Congress currently employs within its own operations.
These companies have a combined turnover of $450b, together creating over 475,000 jobs within the US and so have a fairly powerful following. Over the next few months, they will be encouraging other companies to sign the declaration to urge action from the government.
Anne Kelly, the director of BICEP has said that the message is clear; we need to act on climate change because “the cost of inaction is too high”. She continues by saying “policymakers should see climate change policy for what it is: an economic opportunity”. In order for businesses to act and for the country to grow their economy and protect the planet, the support of climate legislation is crucial.