WASHINGTON (March 27, 2019) – Today, HR 9 — the Climate Action Now Act — was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would reaffirm the U.S.’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.
The following is a statement from Bob Keefe, executive director of the national, nonpartisan business group E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs), which took part the 2015 Paris climate summit where the agreement was reached:
“Rising costs to U.S. economy from floods, droughts, wildfires, and coastal storms make the link between our environment and our economy crystal clear. Climate change is a threat to future U.S. growth.
“By recommitting to the Paris agreement, Congress can show the world that America keeps its promises, while simultaneously protecting our economy from more climate risks and creating jobs and driving investments in clean energy.”
According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, countries face economic damages of $54 trillion if the world gets 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer between now and 2040.
In the United States alone, climate change could cost our economy $500 billion per year by the end of the century, according to the latest National Climate Assessment, which is required by Congress and includes input from 13 Trump administration agencies.
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To speak with E2 leaders across the country who support rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, please contact Michael Timberlake at (202) 289-2407 or mtimberlake@e2.org.
Additional Resources:
- UN IPPCC report
- Fourth National Climate Assessment 2018
- E2 Expert Blog: Why climate change is going to clobber our economy if we don’t act now
- E2 Report: Clean Jobs America 2019
- E2 Statement (June 1, 2017): Withdrawing from Paris Agreement Hurts American Workers, Businesses
- E2 Letter to President Trump on Paris agreement (365 signatures): May 30, 2017
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Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) is a national, nonpartisan group of business leaders, investors, and professionals from every sector of the economy who advocate for smart policies that are good for the economy and good for the environment. Our members have founded or funded more than 2,500 companies, created more than 600,000 jobs, and manage more than $100 billion in venture and private equity capital. For more information, see www.e2.org or follow us on Twitter at @e2org