As we kick off a new and hopefully less tumultuous year, I wanted to share some GOOD climate news we already have coming down the pike in 2021. Hundreds of Climate Collaborative companies stepped up and engaged in policy advocacy last year—many for the first time—through LEAD on Climate, America is All in, and dozens of state-based efforts.
Today I can tell you, your efforts are making a difference.
The stimulus bill that passed just before the new year included substantial climate change measures that incorporate a number of policy recommendations our community made in 2020, including:
- Extending tax credits for wind and solar projects
- Investing in R&D for renewable energy and energy storage projects
- A mandatory phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Even with the new administration we have a massive challenge ahead on the policy front, but this progress—and your role in making it happen—should be celebrated!
As we look forward into 2021, there are more reasons for hope: President elect Biden has pulled together an all-star climate team, including Gina McCarthy heading up a new White House Office of Climate Policy (here is her must-watch speech at Climate Day 2018; I revisit it anytime I need a motivation boost).
Finally, global carbon emissions fell by 6.7% in 2020—at a huge cost, as the global economy came to a standstill. This means, as we rebuild from COVID, we have a clear potential to make 2019 the year global GHG emissions peaked. I can’t think of a better reason to get to work ensuring the COVID recovery builds in strong climate provisions and pairs growth with robust climate action.
We’ll be in touch soon with more updates, and in the meantime, thank you for the work you’ve done to date. I hope you see the difference it’s making.