NRDC President: World Leaders Must Commit to Climate Solutions

NEW YORK (September 23, 2014) – Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, issued the following statement as world leaders gather today for a special United Nations Climate Summit, two days after more than 310,000 people marched in New York City, joined by thousands more around the world, for action to reduce climate change:

“We put our feet down, and lifted our voices up in a historic call for climate action—and now all eyes fall on world leaders meeting in New York. It is time for them to declare—with concrete steps—how they’ll reduce the damages we’re already enduring from climate change.

 “The terrible threat of climate change also presents a terrific opportunity for every country. Together we can create a clean energy future that delivers healthier air, stronger communities and more economic prosperity for all. Indeed, we have abundant solutions, from cutting the power plant carbon pollution driving climate change to expanding renewable energy and efficiency, to shoring up sea walls.

“But our leaders must wait no longer. Climate change demands their commitments to head off its worst impacts. We are watching and our children and future generations are depending on them to act now.”