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Interview with Anne Kelly of Ceres about business & sustainability surrounding the Clean Power Plan and COP21

With international climate talks (COP 21) underway in Paris, the need to switch from a carbon-based economy to a clean, sustainable one is a central focus around the world.

"Anne L. Kelly is Senior Program Director, Policy and BICEP Program at Ceres, a non-profit coalition of investors and companies, which seeks to promote leadership and best practices in sustainability."

Read more about Anne here: http://www.ceres.org/about-us/who-we-are/ceres-staff/anne-kelly

Photo Credit: "Avenue des Champs-Élysées" by Cezary Piwowarski Licensed under GFDL via Wikimedia Commons

Anne Kelly Interview Transcript:
Bridgette Borst: Hello I'm Bridgette Borst and am joined by Ceres' own, Anne Kelly. Anne is the senior program director for public policy and today we are talking about how businesses are joining the conversation around climate solutions and taking action.
Anne, there are some people who may not see Fortune 500 companies as the poster child of sustainability, right? So, talk to us, why are these companies taking an interest in the international climate negotiations coming up in Paris at COP21?
Anne Kelly: Businesses, like governments, are increasingly recognizing that the low-carbon economy is inevitable, and frankly irresistible.
Bridgette Borst: US leadership will be vital in Paris, and I understand that the centerpiece of the US contribution towards an agreement is EPA's Clean Power Plan. So, what are the Ceres business members doing to support the Clean Power Plan or US ambition in Paris?
Anne Kelly: Businesses and investors have really gotten behind the Clean Power Plan. Hundreds of them, with facilities in all 50 states, recently sent letters to the governors of those states, urging them to quickly implement the state plans, which the law requires and to implement them in a timely manner.
Bridgette Borst: In regards to the Clean Power Plan, how does this affect states at the local level?
Anne Kelly: Well the plan allows states to come up with their own energy portfolios, and plans to meet the emission reduction goals in the rule. States that take a proactive approach to meeting their targets will really be in the best position to take advantage of the economic benefits of clean energy.
Bridgette Borst: Very encouraging to know that these big companies are playing such a huge role in taking action on climate change. Anne, thanks so much for your time today. I really appreciate talking to you.

TODAY WE’RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT THE COMPANY’S WORK ON CLIMATE CHANGE. WHAT IS IT THAT MOTIVATES L’OREAL TO TAKE A LEADERSHIP ROLE ON CLIMATE CHANGE?