Business leaders in North Carolina, including companies like American Airlines and Duke Energy, are discussing ways to strengthen the state's clean energy economy and reduce emissions. They are seeking greater access to clean energy to meet their targets while managing costs. The roundtable focused on how public and private sector leaders can work together to strengthen North Carolina's leadership in the clean energy economy, keep costs down, and create high-quality jobs statewide. Companies like SAS Institute, Scout Motors, and Sierra Nevada Brewing are investing in clean energy and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of modernizing the state's energy system. Ceres, a nonprofit organization advocating for clean energy and a resilient energy grid in North Carolina, emphasizes the importance of smart policies to maintain the state's competitiveness and inspire investors and companies to address sustainability challenges. Their efforts aim to transform industries, create new business opportunities, and promote innovation and job growth in support of a cleaner, more just economy. North Carolina has the opportunity to lead on energy affordability and economic growth by expanding access to clean, reliable energy.
Author: Ceres
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Ceres CEO and President Mindy Lubber testifies on Beacon Hill to support the creation of a climate bank in Massachusetts
Ceres CEO Mindy Lubber testified in support of legislation to create a climate bank in Massachusetts, which would leverage public and private investments to provide low-interest loans and financial products for climate mitigation and clean energy projects. The proposed bank follows a model used by 40 other state and local climate banks in the US, collectively investing $10.6 billion in clean energy projects in 2023. Lubber recommended prioritizing environmental justice communities for lending, in addition to rural and coastal communities, in order to combat climate change effectively.
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Ceres applauds launch of Tropical Forest Forever Facility, urges more government and private sector support
The Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) was launched at COP30 Leader's Summit with $5.5 billion in investment commitments to protect tropical forests, aiming to safeguard over 1 billion hectares by paying nations to keep them standing. Endorsed by 34 tropical forest countries, the fund mandates at least 20% of payments go to Indigenous Peoples and local communities, using a blended finance model to generate returns for investors and create an enabling environment for companies to close supply chain gaps. Ceres will release a report analyzing corporate progress on deforestation and offering pathways for business action in at-risk sectors.