This Week’s Reads focuses on climate change events that took place this week in the U.S:
Pope Francis
Pope Francis’ commitment to climate change action continued as he visited the U.S. for the first time. The pope’s visit began with a speech supporting the Obama administration’s efforts on air pollution and a call for sustainable development. The overall detrimental effects man has had on nature and climate change were key themes discussed by the pope throughout his visit.
Sustainable Development Goals
Pope Francis also gave opening remarks to the UN General Assembly. This week the Assembly formally adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which replaced 2001’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The SDGs are high-level goals for countries and businesses to work towards achieving by 2030. SDGs address issues such as poverty, hunger, health, education, and gender equality that were addressed in the MDGs. However as the name “Sustainable Development Goals” reflects, energy and other sustainability issues are emphasized much more than in the MDGs.
Pope Francis also gave opening remarks to the UN General Assembly. This week the Assembly formally adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which replaced 2001’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The SDGs are high-level goals for countries and businesses to work towards achieving by 2030. SDGs address issues such as poverty, hunger, health, education, and gender equality that were addressed in the MDGs. However as the name “Sustainable Development Goals” reflects, energy and other sustainability issues are emphasized much more than in the MDGs.
Climate Week NYC+Announcement
As part of Climate Week NYC hundreds of solutions-oriented seminars and meetings took place in the city. There were events relevant to both the public and private sector that covered topics such as climate finance, metrics and data, and science-based goals. In an exciting announcement, nine global companies committed to getting 100% of their electricity from renewable sources. Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Goldman Sachs, Nike, Starbucks, Salesforce, Steelcase, Voya Financial, and Walmart joined RE100, an initiative launched last year at Climate Week that requires members to make the commitment.
As part of Climate Week NYC hundreds of solutions-oriented seminars and meetings took place in the city. There were events relevant to both the public and private sector that covered topics such as climate finance, metrics and data, and science-based goals. In an exciting announcement, nine global companies committed to getting 100% of their electricity from renewable sources. Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Goldman Sachs, Nike, Starbucks, Salesforce, Steelcase, Voya Financial, and Walmart joined RE100, an initiative launched last year at Climate Week that requires members to make the commitment.
Momentum seems to be growing for environmental policy in the U.S. and an international agreement in December 2015.
The Sustainability Co-Op 