Michael Bloomberg and Governor of California launch new US climate action plan

Governor of California Jerry Brown and Michael Bloomberg announced yesterday the launch of the America’s Pledge, which will allow US states, cities and businesses to stay aligned with the Paris Agreement.

After the recent news that the US was pulling out of the climate agreement, a movement appeared called “We Are Still In”, led by regional and city leaders to show their disagreement with the decision to leave the Paris Agreement.

The new pledge includes 227 cities and counties, 9 states and around 1,650 investors and businesses who aim to pursue the country’s initial commitment to reduce its GHG emissions by 26 to 28 per cent by 2025 compared to 2005 levels.

Governor Brown declared: "Today we're sending a clear message to the world that America's states, cities and businesses are moving forward with our country's commitments under the Paris agreement — with or without Washington."

The initiative will aim to quantify the impact of the efforts business and local and state governments, in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Institute and the World Resources Institute (WRI).

The pledge will also provide a “roadmap for increase climate ambition” and for organisations to reduce their emissions.

Bloomberg said: "In the US, emission levels are determined far more by cities, states, and businesses than they are by our federal government — and each of these groups is taking action because it's in their own best interest."

He added: "The American government may have pulled out of the Paris agreement but American society remains committed to it — and we will redouble our efforts to achieve its goals. We're already halfway there."