IChemE joins global pledge to meet ambition set by Paris Agreement

Today, the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Energy Centre joined major cities, companies and investors from around the world, and promised to quickly and effectively help implement the Paris Agreement, in the Paris Pledge for Action.

Governments of the world united in action on climate change by adopting the Paris Agreement, at COP21 in Paris last week. The first universal climate deal of its kind, it promises to spur a transformation of global growth and development and open the door to a low-carbon, stable, sustainable future.

L’Appel de Paris, or the Paris Pledge for Action, is a call to action in support of the Paris Agreement which brings together a multitude of voices. Signatories already include over 400 businesses and 150 cities, which represents 150 million people and US $11 trillion.

Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change said: “COP21 was a landmark, and not just for the Paris Agreement by governments. The extraordinary momentum witnessed before and during the UN conference by cities, provinces, regions, companies and citizens was also a hallmark”.

“The Paris Pledge for Action is about taking that momentum to the next level in support of nations as they work towards raising ambition up to 2020 and well beyond—it is about building ever more support by non-state actors who are aligning with government policy as never before, “she added.

The IChemE Energy Centre has been focused on delivering real solutions for climate change, even before the Paris Agreement was adopted. Commenting on Saturday when news of the Agreement broke that “the hard work starts now”, it is hugely supportive of the pledge.

Professor Stefaan Simons, chair of IChemE’s Energy Centre, said: “The political conversation on climate change will continue - but this won't save the planet. Chemical engineers can turn words into actions, with the development of workable National Climate Plans (INDCs). The IChemE Energy Centre stands ready to support this process, and the first step to doing that is uniting with businesses, regions and investors in signing the Paris Pledge for Action.”

The pledge is an initiative of the COP21 French Presidency and incorporates a diverse range of entities that are already committed to quickly mitigate emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The pledge is open to more signatories and all non-state actors are invited to join in support of the Paris Agreement.