MARRAKECH, MOROCCO (November 16, 2016)– Today three countries, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, announced targets and strategies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century (2050). Germany also announced its 2050 climate action plan earlier this week. These announcements are part of the commitment among countries to set long-term emissions goals under the Paris Agreement. Deep reductions by the middle of the century will be needed in order to hold global warming well below 2 degree Celsius or 1.5 degrees Celsius, consistent with the Paris Agreement.

WRI will conduct further analysis of countries’ mid-century strategies on an ongoing basis to determine how they align with international goals.

Following is a statement by Taryn Fransen, Director, Open Climate Network, World Resources Institute:

“By releasing their mid-century strategies, these countries are adding to the global momentum behind the shift to a zero-carbon future. Countries that do not take a long view risk being left behind.

“The U.S. finds that there are multiple pathways to reach 80 percent emissions reductions by 2050, along with possibilities to go even further. These are serious strategies that are important contributions to global efforts. Through new technologies and other innovations, even deeper reductions must be achieved.

“National governments are not the only ones responding to the long-term goals captured in the Paris Agreement. Businesses, states, cities, and local governments throughout the United States are stepping forward. For instance, 200 major companies are setting emissions targets in line with climate science, including Walmart, Kellogg’s and Sony. Today, 365 businesses and investors called for ongoing U.S. leadership in support of the Paris Agreement.

“With their 2050 strategies on the table, the U.S., Canada and Mexico are showing a spirit of cooperation on climate change, which has become a central component of international diplomacy. There is no time to waste in driving emissions to zero. We expect other countries will soon develop their own long-term strategies to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.”

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