Posted on September, 18 2014

Gland, Switzerland: Against the backdrop of the largest ever public demonstration on climate change, WWF is calling on governments and business leaders at next week’s high-profile UN Climate Summit in New York City to deliver clear commitments toward a future powered entirely by renewable energy.

“It’s time for us to put the failed Copenhagen climate negotiations in the rearview mirror,” said Samantha Smith, WWF’s global climate and energy initiative leader. “People from all walks of life are taking to the streets and a rallying cry is building from business leaders and civil society to address runaway climate change. All the pieces are in place and it’s time for heads of state to join this movement.”

“This is a high profile meeting and we need clear political signals that governments are committed to immediate actions that spur the development of renewable energy sources, expand energy efficiency programs, and prioritize funding for emission reduction and climate adaptation efforts,” added Smith. “Heads of state must pair these immediate actions with commitments to deliver strong, national emissions reduction targets by March 2015.”

With international leaders convening in December in Peru for the next round of UN climate talks, the Summit is also a critical launchpad for eventually securing a strong global climate deal in 2015 in Paris. Commitments from Latin American nations – whose significance in the UN process is growing – and large emitters such as the United States will help set the stage for more ambitious international discussions.

Government, business and civil society leaders are expected to unveil several commitments at the summit that will reduce global deforestation and degradation, cut emissions from industry, and fund international efforts to help those nations most at risk to the devastating effects of climate change.

“While many progressive leaders attending the Summit are committing to acting themselves, they are also coming together to tell governments that they must act as well. We cannot achieve the speed and scale of action we need without it,” added Smith.

“When international leaders arrive in New York, they will be greeted by the largest, broadest, and most diverse climate march in history,” said Keya Chatterjee, WWF’s point person for the People’s Climate March and US director of renewable energy outreach. “Leaders must seize on this rallying cry and find a way to give the people what they want: climate action now.”