UN climate negotiations: Paris Agreement kicks off in Geneva

Negotiations on the Paris Agreement officially kicked off in February 2015, when governments successfully prepared the negotiating text. The next months are now crucial to solve many outstanding issues around mitigation, adaptation, climate finance and technology. CDP is committed to supporting the creation of an international agreement that includes both near-term action and an ambitious long-term goal which will ensure that the world keeps global warming below two degrees. In order to drive ambition at national and international level, non-state actors such as companies, cities and regions are increasingly making ambitious pledges highlighting their own readiness to take climate action.

"I am extremely encouraged by the constructive spirit and the speed at which negotiators have worked during the past week. We now have a formal negotiating text, which contains the views and concerns of all countries."
Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary, UNFCCC

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NAZCA Portal launched

Over 900 non-state actors are demonstrating their climate ambition on a new online portal launched at COP20 in Lima. The NAZCA Climate Action Portal showcases the innovative climate action taken by cities, regions, companies and investors. CDP is proud to be one of the main data partners tracking progress.

"Non-state actors play an integral role in taking effective climate action. The NAZCA Portal demonstrates the willingness to take action outside of the UNFCCC and should inspire governments to match this level of ambition."
Paul Dickinson, Executive Chairman, CDP

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Leaders set ambitious long-term emissions targets

More than 35 companies, 22 cities and nine states and regions from around the world are setting ambitious emissions reductions targets. Why? Because it is driving innovation, reducing costs, enhancing profitability and improving quality of life for millions of people—while also helping curb the dangerous risks that global temperature change presents.

CDP's most recent policy briefing titled Unlocking ambition and driving innovation finds that companies setting science-based targets and driving down emissions ensures they will continue to operate competitively in a low-carbon future.

"There's a clear picture emerging of a distinct vanguard of businesses and sub-national governments who not only understand the threat of climate change, but recognize that this is an opportunity to build long-term resilience in order to ensure their continued success."
Paul Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, CDP

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State and regional governments set to report through CDP

Following the launch of the Compact of States and Regions at the UN Climate Summit last year, state and regional governments are now set to report their environmental information through CDP. 18 states and regions have already committed to taking bold climate action and many more will join through the year. The information reported will be used to advance state and regional action on climate change, showcase sub-national leadership and strengthen the case for a global deal in Paris this year at COP21.

"Climate action being taken at the state and regional level is truly inspiring. State and regional governments are conscious of safeguarding the wellbeing of the citizens and environment, as well as making their jurisdictions a good home for business."
Kyra Appleby, Head of Cities, CDP

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US Government suppliers to disclose through CDP

The US General Services Administration (GSA) has announced its membership to CDP’s Supply Chain Program. GSA will invite approximately 120 of its largest suppliers to disclose their environmental information through CDP and set targets for reducing their emissions.

Following President Obama’s newly released Executive Order on federal sustainability, GSA is the first federal agency to launch such a program. As the largest purchaser in the world, the US Government can leverage its significant buying power to cut carbon pollution and save taxpayer money.

"We are delighted to announce that the US Federal Government has become a member of CDP’s Supply Chain Program. This significant new member cements CDP’s position as a global standard for environmental disclosure. It is time for other governments to follow the USA’s lead."
Dexter Galvin, Head of Supply Chain, CDP

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Supply chain disclosure reveals significant emissions reductions

3.5 million tons of emissions have been reduced this year as a direct result of customer engagement. This and many other exciting results of the latest CDP Supply Chain Report show that the private sector is ready to take climate action. Policy makers are now urged to provide regulatory support to further encourage companies to address climate risks, particularly for companies operating in countries where opportunities for reducing climate risk through the supply chain are high.

"The CDP supply chain program member companies and the close to 3,400 suppliers who provided climate change data, have a vital role to play. They have shown that taking action to address climate change can help provide an edge in the global marketplace."
Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary, UNFCCC

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Business commits to deforestation free supply chains

2014 saw multinational companies make a strong pledge to eliminate deforestation from the production of agricultural commodities by 2020. In order to support them, policymakers must set clear and consistent national policies, particularly in relation to public procurement policies, as well as creating strong financial incentives for forest conservation and restoration.

CDP's Deforestation-free supply chains policy briefing includes a number of recommendations to policymakers, including making use of business levers to harness private sector investment and direct it towards climate finance.

"Companies can play a positive role in reducing deforestation in their supply chains and have demonstrated willingness to do so. Governments must now create strong policies to help them achieve this."
Kate McCoy, Head of Forests, CDP

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MoU with Spanish Government

In December 2014, CDP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MAGRAMA). The MoU aims at catalyzing climate action by Spanish companies through the promotion, improvement and enhancement of corporate disclosure and measurement of climate change related information. As part of the agreement, the Spanish Ministry will be sending out letters encouraging Spanish companies to disclose their environmental information through CDP.

"The MoU represents a significant endorsement of the CDP approach and reporting standard. Through this partnership we hope to promote better quality and quantity of reporting by Spanish companies."
Steven Tebbe, Director of Europe, CDP

Demonstration urges ambitious climate deal

Over 20,000 people attended a demonstration in London on the 7 March 2015, urging strong action at the Paris climate conference. The protest, organized by Campaign against Climate Change, is anticipated to be the first step in a year of climate action by the public, who are putting increasing pressure on their public representatives. This demonstration follows the People’s Climate March in September 2014, which was attended by nearly 400,000 demonstrators in New York calling for climate action.

"Citizens are adding their voices to business, cities and other non-state actors to show that there is real support for a significant outcome in Paris."
Kate Levick, Head of Policy & Regulation, CDP

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Event radar

World Green Economy Summit
April 22 - 23 2015, Dubai, UAE The World Green Economy Summit (WGES) aims to be a premier international platform for strategic partnerships and innovative solutions for a green economy. The outcomes of WGES 2015 will be integral to developing a strong multi-stakeholder platform supporting a universal climate agreement at COP21 in Paris 2015. Find out more and register

Business and Climate Summit Paris
May 20 - 21 2015, Paris, France Responding to the UN Secretary General’s invitation for business to take a more active role in the world decarbonization process, a large number of business networks have decided to join forces and convene CEOs from around the world and from all sectors. It is a great opportunity for business to synthetize ideas and formulate demands and see them embedded in the outcome from COP21. Find out more and register

World Climate Summit
December 6 2015, Paris, France Now in its 6th year, join the World Climate Summit 2015, an annual climate forum convening business, finance and governments alongside the United Nations conference on climate change, COP21. At the World Climate Summit climate solutions from business, financiers and governments will be launched. Find out more and register

Sustainable Innovation Forum (SIF15)
December 7 - 8 2015, Paris, France Convening over 750 cross-sector participants from business, governments, investors, the UN, NGOs and civil society during COP21, SIF15 will be an unparalleled opportunity to bolster business innovation in the climate change arena. The Forum will build on year-round work from Climate Action and UNEP to accelerate international sustainable development and bring scale to low carbon innovation. Find out more and register