Have mobilised world community on climate change: Obama

The US has mobilised the international community on climate change including China, President Barack Obama said today ahead of a key UN summit in Paris next month.
Obama is also considering travelling to the French capital for the crucial UN Climate Change Conference from November 30 to December 11 which is likely to be attended by several world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"As we look at this major conference that we're going to be having in Paris where we've already mobilised the international community, including China, to participate, I just want everybody to understand that American businesses want this to happen as well," Obama told reporters after his interaction with CEOs of top US companies on climate change.

"What they do need is certainty. It's going to be very hard for them to operate if they don't know what the rules of the road are. And what we're trying to do is make sure that everybody is on a fair playing field; everybody is doing their part to make sure that we're saving this planet," he said.
"If we're able to establish those kinds of rules and that's the goal that we're setting forth in Paris, I have no doubt that these companies are going to excel. And that's going to mean jobs, businesses, and opportunity alongside cleaner air and a better environment," Obama said.

During their meetings with Obama, CEOs of US companies announced commitments totalling at least USD 160 billion.

"It ranges from reducing emissions to reducing water usage, to pursuing zero-net deforestation, to purchasing 100 per cent clean energy," said the US president.
According to the White House, so far 81 companies have signed the American Business Act on Climate Pledge to demonstrate their support for action on climate change and the conclusion of a climate change agreement in Paris that takes a strong step forward toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.
These 81 companies have operations in all 50 US states, employ over 9 million people, represent more than USD 3 trillion in annual revenue, and have a combined market capitalisation of over USD 5 trillion.

By signing the climate pledge, these companies are voicing support for a strong Paris outcome, the White House said.
The pledge recognises those countries that have already put forward climate targets, and voices support for a strong outcome in the Paris climate negotiations.
These companies are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to climate action. As part of this initiative, each company is announcing significant pledges to reduce their emissions, increase low-carbon investments, deploy more clean energy, and take other actions to build more sustainable businesses and tackle climate change, the White House said.
Responding to a question, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Obama is considering travelling to Paris to attend the summit however no final decision has been made yet.