Cindy Carr, cindy.carr@sierraclub.org
SAN FRANCISCO -- Today, the Global Climate Action Summit concluded with nearly 500 new commitments to climate action and clean energy investment -- including 10 new Powering Past Coal Alliance members, New York City Ā announcing a $4 billion pension fund investment in climate solutions, and a commitment to 3.5 million new electric vehicle charging points, to name a few -- and call for increased ambition and urgent action from world leaders.
Throughout the week, the Sierra Club hosted a number of events, including an electric vehicle ride and drive for National Drive Electric Week, Generation Ready: Real Stories From Leaders Committed To Clean Energy, and Women On The Frontlines: An Evening Reception on Feminism, Art, and Climate Justice.
The summit was co-chaired by Jerry Brown, CA Governor; Michael Bloomberg, the U.N. Secretary Generalās special envoy for climate action; Patricia Espinosa, executive secretary of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); Anand Mahindra, chair of the Indian conglomerate Mahindra Group; Jayathma Wickramanayake, the U.N. Secretary-Generalās envoy on youth; and Xie Zhenhua, special representative for Climate Change Affairs of China.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
"The bold commitments announced at the Global Climate Action Summit are a testament to theĀ strength of American cities, as well as countries around the world, that will not turn away from the crisis of climate change, as Donald Trump would have us do. We know that we cannot stop climate change alone, but together we can take on the challenge.
āThis fight is far from over, and with unprecedented droughts, hurricanes, wildfires, and floods ravaging the globe, it has never been more clear that world leaders must join us in stepping up and facing the demand head on.ā
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is Americaās largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visitĀ www.sierraclub.org.