In a joint statement issued last Wednesday, 14 global organizations including coal provider Rio Tinto and oil giant Royal Dutch have agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emission and address climate change issues during the United Nations Climate Change conference in Paris next December. The document highlights the meeting as a “critical opportunity to strengthen efforts globally addressing the causes and consequences of climate change,” opening new prospects for mining and renewable collaborations. “We are committed to working on our own and in partnership with governments to mobilize the technology, investment and innovation needed to transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy.”
The declaration, developed by the Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), calls for “a more balanced and durable multilateral framework guiding and strengthening national efforts to address climate change.” The organizations commits to not only reduce emissions, but also promote strong transparency on their policies, facilitate global carbon pricing and decarbonize progressively the global economy.
“We recognize the rising environmental, social, economic, and security risks posed by climate change, and that delaying action will result in greater risks and costs,” the statement said. “We stand ready to work with governments and our civil society partners to deliver and implement a sensible and effective global climate agreement in Paris.”
Leading mining companies as Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Alcoa and renewable energy providers including Alstom, BP and Calpine have endorsed the statement, which will be traduced in prolific and sustainable business collaborations between the mining and the renewable energy industries. Mining giants are currently looking for global standards to develop their long-term and sustainable strategies, including natural gas and other lower-carbon fuels solutions.
“These are companies with real skin in the game – either they’re large emitters or their products are. They know emissions need to come down and are taking steps on their own. But they believe the low-carbon transition requires stronger leadership from governments, too,” said C2ES President Bob Perciasepe.