DNV GL supports call to put a price on carbon

Speaking on the sidelines at the UN Climate Summit in New York, DNV GL Group Sustainability Officer Bjørn K. Haugland said the high-profile drive led by the World Bank Group calls on governments and business leaders to support a price on carbon. Seventy-three countries and 22 states, provinces and cities – which responsible for 54% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 52% of GDP – joined over 1000 businesses and investors in signaling their support for carbon pricing through a series of initiatives being announced at the  United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Summit.

“The transformation to a safe and sustainable, low carbon future is one of the most urgent and complex challenges we face,” said Haugland and added “By supporting the World Bank Group’s ’Putting a price on Carbon’ statement, we join a growing coalition of leaders worldwide speaking out for action on climate change. A price on carbon will fuel innovation and encourage low-carbon growth.”

The statement comes close on the heels of the recent announcement by UNEP’s Climate Technology Centre and DNV GL regarding a strategic partnership that aims to accelerate global development, transfer and deployment of climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies to developing countries.

More than 120 Heads of State and Government were attending the one-day Summit hosted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The aim is to generate political will toward a universal climate agreement in 2015.

DNV GL also announced the donation of USD 10.000 to the Foundation For The Global Compact, which provides funding for UN Global Compact projects to find lasting solutions to pressing global problems.

About Price on carbon:
A carbon price provides a necessary signal for investment in low-carbon and resilient economic growth. Regardless of the mechanism used, carbon pricing needs to be part of any package of policies to scale up climate change mitigation. Carbon pricing also improves the efficiency of the economy, allowing for increased government investments or tax reductions in other areas. Source: The World Bank Group.