Dozens more companies sign US pledge on climate change: White House

A total of 81 corporations support "a strong outcome" for upcoming climate negotiations in Paris and agreeing to take steps to reduce their impact on the environment. PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - More than 60 global companies, including Alcoa Inc, General Electric Co and Procter & Gamble, have joined onto a US-sponsored pledge supporting action to combat climate change, the White House said on Monday (Oct 19).

The White House announced that 68 additional companies had signed the pledge, making a total of 81 corporations saying they support "a strong outcome" for upcoming climate negotiations in Paris and agreeing to take steps to reduce their impact on the environment.

President Barack Obama is pursuing private sector support ahead of the UN conference and more corporations are expected to sign the pledge before it begins on Nov 30, senior adviser to the president Brian Deese told a call with reporters.

The pledge's signatories announced on Monday span the spectrum of major American corporations, and also include Bank of America, Best Buy, Coca-Cola, General Motors , Google and WalMart Stores Inc.

The White House said it also expects a consortium of major investors to announce on Monday US$1.2 billion (S$1.66 billion) in investment capital for companies and projects that can "produce impactful and profitable solutions to climate change."

The initial group of investors includes the University of California, TIAA-Cref and the Alaska Permanent Fund, according to the White House.

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