Governors Urge Congress to Act on Climate
House Natural Resources Committee Holds Historic Hearing on Climate Change Impacts
On February 6, 2019 Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) and Gov. Charlie Baker (R-MA) spoke about the need for meaningful climate action to protect their respective states from climate change and its impacts on their communities and economies.
"If you have farmers or fishermen or resort operators or foresters in your communities or in your districts, I promise you they're worrying about climate change all the time." - Governor Charlie Baker
Learn more here
Governor Roy Cooper of NC (left) and Governor Charlie Baker of MA (right) speak to U.S. Congress
Here's Why Climate Action Matters
Climate risks are expensive
- $320 billion in economic losses in 2017 were related to climate disasters in the US (2018 report)
- Hurricane Florence estimated to cost $17-22 billion
- Changes in consumer demand, technology and products in a low-carbon economy can be competitive risks (or opportunities)
Sustainability is profitable
- $26 trillion in direct economic gain possible from climate action through 2030 according to 2018 report from The New Climate Economy
- 72% of Millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products - up from 55% in 2014 (Nielsen Research, 2015)
- Product and technology innovation, expanding markets and resource efficiencies are profit opportunities
Stakeholders expect accountability
- 86% of Millennials are interested in sustainable investing - that means almost all Millennials, a group that is set to inherit $30 Trillion in assets
- Investors are increasing pressure for disclosure of climate-related risks and opportunities
- Customers are demanding sustainable business practices
Three-tiered approach:
Strategy
Seek stakeholder input on how a low-carbon economy impacts your business strategy.
Innovation
Discover new markets, new products and technologies to give you the competitive edge.
Investor readiness
Know the risks and opportunities that climate change presents and investors expect you to address.