The re-election of former President Donald Trump, along with a Republican Congress, ensures that important issues like immigration, inflation and tax reform will be on the federal to-do list in 2025. However, America’s leadership on climate policy has is likely to decline in priority as global warming targets fall even more out of reach.
Without government regulations and incentives designed to reduce our environmental footprint and save money, other entities must step up and lead the country to a clean, robust and innovative economy. The business community working together is the most logical agent of change.
Fortunately, organizations like the Alliance for Climate Transition (ACT) at the regional level and ClimateWork Maine at the state level are uniquely poised to help businesses act on climate change, meet its challenges, and seize the opportunities it presents. it presents to build a more prosperous and sustainable economy. for the future.
It is imperative that we prioritize business action on climate, energy and the economy. This impact will be felt throughout our communities, our collective workforce and their families. Businesses that start now to navigate the complexities of climate action and sustainable practices will get the resources they need to help them grow, succeed and compete in a carbon-constrained economy. Climate actions will increase their brands’ reputation, resilience and bottom lines.
Climate action must be bold, inclusive, effective and inclusive to include all types and sizes of businesses, workers and communities; strengthen partnerships with the private, public and non-profit sectors; and support the growth and deployment of climate solutions in operations, products, services, projects and in relation to sound economic and workforce development strategies.
Our organizations and the partners we work with bridge the gap between the environmental community’s search for ambitious climate and clean energy solutions and strategies and the growing role of the business community in advancing the climate agenda and tackling the climate crisis.
For example, many businesses produce clean energy products and technologies, contribute to modern buildings and transportation systems, beneficially use and manage our natural resources, or invest in resilient energy infrastructure strategies. These actions lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas levels and more importantly, a variety of opportunities for a variety of businesses.
In turn, a concerted business effort can help provide jobs for millions of engineers, installers, fishermen, foresters, service and utility workers, and small and large business owners and their employees. Engaging small businesses and startups in particular will help them grow their businesses and workforce and market their products and services to the world.
Moreover, American businesses have the clear standing and credibility at home and abroad to assert their influence in the conflicts that arise at the intersection of health, climate, clean energy, and the economy. For example, large, expensive, controversial but perhaps necessary projects will help achieve renewable energy and climate goals and expand supply chain and workforce development opportunities. These ventures include wind, solar and hydrogen development; generation and transmission of clean energy; modernization of the electrical network; and expanding electric vehicles and infrastructure. The transition from oil and gas to a clean energy workforce will require business support to ensure jobs are transformed rather than lost to the future.
Our commitment to demonstrate a strong and credible business voice on climate and the economy is immediately imperative with COP 29 (United Nations Climate Change Conference) on the horizon in Baku, Azerbaijan. In November, nearly every country on Earth will come together to address limits on global temperature rise and greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation strategies, climate finance mechanisms and commitments, and building resilient communities. We need to show the world that we are a critical part of the solution and not an obstacle to action.
We stand ready to work with the new administration and Congress to strengthen and support a more resilient economy, help create and retain good jobs, and make America a vibrant participant in a low-carbon future . There is much for American companies to leave behind, while billions of dollars in investment, private and public, technical assistance, trained and skilled workers, and information and access to resources are readily available across the globe.
We need a coordinating, unified, mobilizing force to highlight the urgency of climate action, to explain how public investment and incentives can leverage private capital and drive job creation, and to underscore the importance of continued leadership in the global economy. We must keep our eyes on the future and its potential impact – both good and bad – on our economy and environment.
We all have an important role to play in the fight against climate change. As leaders, we have a responsibility to take this issue seriously and take action. It’s everyone’s business.
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