Let’s Stop Relying on the US Government to Lead the Fight on Climate Change

The Climate Group brought attention to the Trump administration’s controversial decision to walk away from the Paris agreement -- the international accord to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels of which the United States is currently the only holdout. It also highlighted the role played by businesses, cities, states and civil society initiatives to fill the the leadership void left by the American delegation.

In a recent statement, Damian Ryan, the Climate Group’s Director of Strategy, reaffirmed that “with the right diplomatic footwork, strong support from non-state actors and climate action in the real economy, coalitions and other efforts can fill the gap created by the Trump administration – and ratchet up climate ambition.“

Though the Climate Group welcomed new steps taken by a spate of countries, including China and Germany to add new anti-climate change targets, bolster their commitments and further cut greenhouse-gas emissions, it did warn that the pace of talks and climate ambitions was way off the mark.

One reason, noted Ryan in his statement, is the growing rift between policy-makers and actors of the real economy. “This divergence between real-economy action and progress in the negotiations was remarked upon by many observers,” Ryan said in the statement. “It is also leading to situations where countries are set to over-achieve on their existing NDCs [Nationally Determined Contributions] but have yet to indicate any willingness to reflect this in the formal process – and help drive it forward.”

On a brighter note, Mike Peirce, the Climate Group’s Corporate Partnerships Director, told VICE Impact that COP23 contrasted with previous environmental summits because there was more climate action taking shape outside negotiating rooms and that "you could feel the surge in interest and optimism from business who are making strategic, commercially-focused decisions to cut their carbon emissions and foster sustainable growth.”

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As such, the Climate Group expects 2018 to be a decisive year for the UN to reconnect with the enthusiasm and dynamism of climate action within the real economy.

Building on the momentum behind climate action, COP23 coincided with a string of new organizations rallying EV 100 - a global campaign founded by the Climate Group to commit businesses to switching to electric means of transportation.

Mercury, one of New Zealand’s largest energy generating companies, joined EV100’s ranks, vowing to support the electrification of transport throughout New Zealand. Mercury has pledged to convert 70 percent of its corporate vehicle fleet to EVs by the end of 2018.

To Katy Scoullar, Mercury’s spokesperson, joining EV100 signals the business community’s support for New Zealand’s ambitious COP 21 commitments and policy efforts to wean off fossil fuels. “ We have a unique opportunity here because of our energy mix, where heading towards 90 percent of New Zealand’s electricity is generated from renewable sources (primarily hydro, geothermal and wind power). Sixty percent of our New Zealand’s energy use still involves the burning of fossil fuels, much of which is imported. A large part of that energy use is for transport. But leadership is still required to take advantage of this opportunity and build momentum.”

Royal HaskoningDHV, a Dutch energy consultancy also announced it would become an EV100 member during COP23. The company pledged to transition to 100 percent electric vehicles and is supporting the uptake of EVs by its 6,000 staff and customers in over 150 countries.

Peirce hopes that nurturing strong partnerships can hold sway on governments, triggering a positive dynamic between economic actors and policymakers. "By joining EV100, our members are helping to create the necessary market shifts,” he said. “With their influence, they can help to show governments, other businesses and suppliers that business is ready for EVs in order to create positive change and accelerate the transition to sustainable economies."

Peirce says that next year the Climate Group will focus on expanding into new emerging markets and that campaigns will “continue to show strong growth in the U.S., Europe, and other developed economies.” The Climate Group is also present in India and China and both offices will be key strategic locations for in 2018. “We are excited to build on the expansion of our campaigns in Japan, Indonesia and beyond as well.” said Peirce.

Facing climate change is beyond governments, and President Trump’s environmental policy indicates there is nothing to expect from his administration. The Climate Group's conclusions on COP23 and outlook on 2018 suggest that if businesses don’t step up efforts to curb emissions through initiatives such as EV100, the promises in the Paris agreement will ring hollow.

While global leaders are busy debating the future of the planet, you can do your part by getting your local officials to switch to 100 percent renewable energy for the Sierra Club's Ready for 100 campaign.