Businesses join White House climate push

Thirteen of America’s largest companies are joining President Obama and agreeing to a slew of policies meant to curb the effects of climate change, the White House announced Monday.

{mosads}“Climate change is a global challenge that demands a global response, and President Obama is committed to leading the fight,” the White House said in a statement.

“And while the United States is leading on the international stage and the federal government is doing its part to combat climate change, hundreds of private companies, local governments, and foundations have stepped up to increase energy efficiency, boost low-carbon investing, and make solar energy more accessible to low-income Americans.”

The group of companies includes Alcoa, Apple, Bank of America, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Cargill, Coca-Cola, General Motors, Goldman Sachs, Google, Microsoft, PepsiCo, UPS and Wal-Mart. The White House noted that the combined group represents a market capitalization of at least $2.5 trillion.

Each company will announce personalized measures meant to slash emissions and position it for sustainable practices. Those announcements represent “at least $140 billion in new low-carbon investment and more than 1,600 megawatts of new renewable energy,” according to the White House.