IISD responds to USA climate plan
WINNIPEG —March 31, 2015—The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) congratulates the USA forits official commitment towards a new international climate change agreement, announced today. IISD commends the USA for submitting its INDC in
a timely fashion and doubling its emission reduction efforts across a broad range of sectors.
As part of its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) the USA set an economy-wide target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 28 percent below 2005
levels by 2025. Major components include: building on current initiatives related to fuel economy standards, energy
efficiency for buildings and phasing out HFCs; and upcoming measures to limit methane emissions from the oil and gas
sector and reduce emissions from existing power plants. This commitment constitutes a significant increase in ambition,
considering the doubling of the current rate at which the USA is reducing emissions.
Frédéric Gagnon-Lebrun, Program Leader - Climate Change Mitigation at IISD said “President Obama has shown remarkable
leadership in this commitment and in recent announcements with China, India and Mexico. Today’s announcement is a
significant step forward in that USA’s INDC incorporates actions across numerous Departments, thereby broadening support
and leadership beyond the executive authority. Getting broad buy-in will be critical in reaching a new legally binding
agreement in Paris.”
The USA is the fifth party to submit an INDC prior to the March 31st timeline, following the European Union,
Switzerland, Norway and Mexico. IISD looks forward to Canada’s finalized INDC, aligning with its NAFTA partners. Russia
also submitted its INDC this afternoon.
ENDS