By Clay Nesler, VP-Global Energy & Sustainability, Johnson Controls, Inc.
The big event on the second day of Climate Week was the United Nations summit on Climate Change. During the session, President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao both made statements intended to move the climate treaty process forward in anticipation of the December meetings in Copenhagen. President Hu Jintao committed to as yet undisclosed reductions in carbon intensity on a national basis. President Obama committed in other discussions to help move the energy and climate bill through the U.S. Senate.
Johnson Controls involvement in the UN proceedings was as a signatory to the Copenhagen Communique. This set of guiding principles for the Copenhagen negotiations was signed by 630 companies from 50 countries. Our Chairman and CEO, Steve Roell, signed on behalf of Johnson Controls. At the global media release of the Communique, the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Energy and Climate shared his view that an agreement in Copenhagen would be good for the planet and good for the economy. He cited the importance of energy efficiency and the fact that these investments can be made quickly with a positive financial return.
The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) kicked-off with a panel discussion including the CEOs of Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart and the heads of state from Chile and Australia. The CGI is a very diverse group of global corporations, governments and civil society which come together once a year to make commitments, share progress and celebrate success. The Clinton Climate Initiative, of which we are a charter signatory, was started as a result of discussions at an earlier Clinton Global Initiative meeting.
The discussion attempted to answer the question “can we reduce emissions without killing the economy?” The panelists all believed the answer was “yes,” and President Clinton went so far as to say that climate policy was actually good for the economy. He used energy efficiency and the recent McKinsey studies to make his point. He also mentioned that there will soon be 100,000 electric vehicles on the road in Isreal which certainly isn’t going to tank their economy.
The highlight of the Clinton Global Initiative opening ceremony was an address by President Barack Obama. President Obama praised President Clinton on the level of commitment that the CGI has been able to secure around the world.
Thursday’s schedule includes a panel discussion hosted by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco on how to build on Copenhagen to ensure rapid mobilization of climate solutions? In July our Building Efficiency business in Europe committed to working with the Prince Albert II Foundation to promote energy efficiency in Europe and the Mediterranean. Both parties have agreed to explore a range of possible projects, events and other areas of collaboration to elevate awareness and action on the topic of energy efficiency and its positive impact on global climate change.
Also during this historic week, we will meet with the President of Mexico at a reception sponsored by the Alliance to Save Energy.
