← Back to News

Press Release: Michigan climate advocates praise Earth Day signing of Paris Climate Accord

LANSING— The Michigan Climate Action Network today praised the signing of the Paris Climate Accord—a global agreement by leaders of nearly 200 nations to address climate change. The agreement marks, for the first time in history, a commitment by nearly every country to reduce carbon pollution and address climate change. The Network also called on Michigan leaders to move forward with strong clean energy policies to address climate change and keep up with the rapid global transition to clean energy.

Kimberly Hill Knott, project director of Detroit Climate Action Collaborative and director of policy for Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, was in Paris last December for the climate talks.

“This Earth Day, we’re proud of U.S. leaders for their strong commitment to tackling climate change—one of the greatest challenges of our time,” said Knott. “Climate change threatens our economic security, the health and safety of children, seniors and families across Michigan – especially minority and low-income communities. The Paris Accord in an important step forward in our work to reduce dangerous pollution and protect public health, yet there is more work to be done.”

The Detroit Climate Action Collaborative is leading the development of the City of Detroit’s Climate Action Plan.

Leaders from 170 countries are expected to sign the agreement today, which seeks to reduce carbon pollution that has set the earth on a dangerous warming path. It sets a target of limiting global warming by 2100 to “well below” 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. 2015 was the hottest year on record, and 2016 is already on path to surpass it, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“Tackling climate change must be a top priority for policymakers at the local, state and national level,” said Elizabeth Dell ofCitizens Climate Lobby, a group that was also in Paris for the December climate talks. “In Michigan, climate change threatens our Great Lakes, tourism economy and Pure Michigan way of life. It’s time for real action to reduce dangerous pollution and transition to clean, renewable energy.”

About Michigan Climate Action Network

The Michigan Climate Action Network is a network of groups and individuals working to build and mobilize a powerful grassroots movement in the Great Lakes state to call for clean energy solutions that will put us on a path to climate stability, resilience and climate justice. We support actions that bring urgency and make progress to slow climate change.  

Members include Citizens Climate Lobby, Concerned Citizens of Cheboygan & Emmett Counties, Detroit Climate Action CollaborativeEcology CenterFood & Water WatchGroundwork CenterKalamazoo Nature CenterMichigan Environmental CouncilMichigan League of Conservation VotersSierra Club Michigan ChapterTC350 and West Michigan Environmental Action Council.

Learn more at www.miclimateaction.org.


Be the first to comment

YOU CAN HELP NOW

Add your voice to those in
Michigan working for a stable climate

Get updates