Clinton announces $6.2bn sustainability drive

Former US president Bill Clinton has called the drive for energy efficiency 'essential' as he announced a $6.2bn package of environmental measures.


President between 1993 and 2001 Mr Clinton opened the 2011 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) annual meeting with a focus on increasing low carbon jobs, yesterday (September 20).

Mr Clinton announced members of the CGI had made 194 commitments, valued at $6.2bn, which will impact more than 100m people when they are fully funded.

The commitments from firms including Deutsche Bank, New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation, Microsoft and the National Resources Defense Council will ‘streamline retrofits’ of commercial spaces, according to Mr Clinton.

Among the new initiatives are plans to improve the energy efficiency of New York City’s built environment and provide one million low-income students with access to high-speed broadband.

Mr Clinton said: “Now more than ever, it is essential governments, businesses, civil society and the media work together to take action to generate more sustainable and equitable growth while preserving our global sustainability.

“For seven years, CGI members have done just that, their work has improved the lives of more than 300M people around the world in substantive, measurable ways, and has reversed the cycles of environmental degradation and economic downturn.”

Luke Walsh

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe