IISD responds to USA climate plan

IISD responds to USA climate plan

WINNIPEG —March 31, 2015—The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) congratulates the USA forits official commitment towards a new international climate change agreement, announced today. IISD commends the USA for submitting its INDC in a timely fashion and doubling its emission reduction efforts across a broad range of sectors.

As part of its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) the USA set an economy-wide target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. Major components include: building on current initiatives related to fuel economy standards, energy efficiency for buildings and phasing out HFCs; and upcoming measures to limit methane emissions from the oil and gas sector and reduce emissions from existing power plants. This commitment constitutes a significant increase in ambition, considering the doubling of the current rate at which the USA is reducing emissions.

Frédéric Gagnon-Lebrun, Program Leader - Climate Change Mitigation at IISD said “President Obama has shown remarkable leadership in this commitment and in recent announcements with China, India and Mexico. Today’s announcement is a significant step forward in that USA’s INDC incorporates actions across numerous Departments, thereby broadening support and leadership beyond the executive authority. Getting broad buy-in will be critical in reaching a new legally binding agreement in Paris.”

The USA is the fifth party to submit an INDC prior to the March 31st timeline, following the European Union, Switzerland, Norway and Mexico. IISD looks forward to Canada’s finalized INDC, aligning with its NAFTA partners. Russia also submitted its INDC this afternoon.

ENDS

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