Gov. Schwarzenegger Opens Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3 at UC Davis

Governor's Office Press Release Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and United Nations officials today welcomed more than 1,500 attendees from more than 80 states, provinces and countries to the opening of the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3: Building the Green Economy (GGCS_3) at the world-renowned Mondavi Center at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). As one of the largest gatherings of regional leaders from around the world focused on climate solutions, this year’s summit will continue to expand the network of subnational collaboration to share policies and strategies on how to grow the green economy, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, create green jobs, promote clean energy solutions and curb greenhouse gas pollution. “I am honored to welcome so many leaders, experts and attendees from all over the world to our third annual Governors’ Global Climate Summit at one of California’s world-renowned universities – UC Davis,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “With or without international agreements, the green revolution is moving full-speed ahead in states, regions and provinces. I have seen the power these regional governments carry in influencing and creating the new ideas that spur clean innovation, reduce emissions and create jobs, and this summit is an incredible opportunity to build on our subnational successes. Together, we are ushering in a cleaner, brighter and more prosperous future that we can be proud to pass on to the next generation.” Building on the accomplishments of the first two Governors’ Global Climate Summits in 2009 and 2008, the GGCS will bring together leaders from around the world to collaborate on environmental protection and will further the global fight against climate change with collaborative actions to help reduce emissions and build the green economy. The Summit will host climate conversations from top leaders of local, regional, national and international entities, as well as those from academia, business and nonprofits. The Summit will also serve as a forum for different regions throughout the world to learn best practices, share ideas and work to deepen and broaden cooperative efforts through an increased understanding of each other’s unique environmental and economic challenges. The Summit also provides an opportunity for states and provinces to partner with and influence the position of their national governments leading up to the United Nations COP 16 in Cancun later this year. In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and United Nations Environment Programme and co-sponsored by UC Davis, the Summit is co-hosted by Governor Schwarzenegger, Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle and Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski. “The clean energy path leads to millions of jobs, less reliance on fossil fuels and reduced greenhouse gases,” said Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “This summit is an opportunity to share with the world how we’re building a clean energy economy in Michigan as well as to learn from the experience of others.” “In Wisconsin, we have no natural gas, no coal, and no oil,” Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle said. “Capturing even a fraction of the $16 billion our state spends on energy would mean billions of dollars in economic growth and job creation. We’ve been really focused on building on our strengths in innovation and business to create real jobs in the clean energy economy and as a result of our policies and investments, Wisconsin has seen a rapid expansion in renewable energy production and real growth in clean energy jobs. The Governors’ Global Climate Summit gives us an opportunity to build on our success and continue to collaborate on clean energy jobs.” “Addressing climate change is critical to our global economic and environmental future,” said Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski. “One state, one nation cannot work in isolation. We must make regional, national and international commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to clean sources of fuel, and investing in the research and technology to move toward an energy independent universe. This summit is essential to advancing that vision.” The GGCS 3 is taking place at UC Davis to take advantage of the university’s long history of world-class research and development in environmental sustainability and green jobs. UC Davis’ academic research, expertise and collaborative approach have been providing solutions to government, industry and advocates for decades on issues ranging from energy efficiency and bio-fuels to sustainable agriculture and health solutions for rural and developing communities. In 2006, the university furthered its commitment to innovation and the promotion of California’s green economy when the Governor, joined by the California Clean Energy Fund, announced UC Davis would be the home of the nation’s first university-based Energy Efficiency Center . And recently, the Governor joined UC Davis Graduate School of Management Dean Steven Currall on the university’s campus in a discussion on clean, sustainable paths to economic prosperity , as part of UC Davis’ E3 Roundtable on Economic Prosperity, Energy and the Environment. “The politics of climate change have challenged the science, so it is critical that universities like UC Davis - with 21st century research and development units - uncover and deliver the facts so that the world’s opinions can flow from there,” said UC Davis Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi. “We are showing the way in research, innovation, stewardship and sustainability because we believe in those principles.” The following organizations are partnering with the Governor’s Summit to make this collaborative opportunity possible: the University of California, Davis; BMW Group; the Aga Khan Development Network; Pegasus Capital Advisors; Chevron; Waste Management; the Energy Foundation; Veolia Environment/Veolia Transportation; Edison International/Southern California Edison; Cisco; The Nature Conservancy; Novozymes; Ecousable; Robert Mondavi Winery; Starbucks Coffee; Bauer's Transportation Services; the Bay Area Council; Green Technology Leadership Group; NRDC; California Invasive Species Advisory Committee; California Department of Environmental Protection Agency; California Department of Food & Agriculture; California Grown; Culinary Institute of America, Greystone; Solar Power Incorporated; and POM Wonderful. You can find additional information at www.ggcs3.org and watch GGCS 3 events live at http://www.gov.ca.gov/ggcs3 . Throughout his time in office, Governor Schwarzenegger has worked to bring world leaders together at all levels of government to partner on ways to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create a healthier environment and build green economies. The past climate summits brought together international leaders committed to reducing greenhouse gases from deforestation, international offset projects and global collaboration with nations such as China, which just launched its first voluntary carbon registry. At the conclusion of last year’s summit, Governor Schwarzenegger joined 30 global leaders in signing the Global Climate Solutions Declaration , committing all to work together to pursue clean transportation and mobility, support national climate change legislation, include forests in climate policy development, acknowledge the need for adaptation efforts and recognize the role of subnational governments in climate change discussions and actions. Since the Global Climate Solutions Declaration last October, 28 additional regional government leaders have signed on.

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Gov. Schwarzenegger Opens Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3 at UC Davis

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