As New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy took center stage in London at a pivotal climate change event, he poignantly highlighted the catastrophic flooding in Valencia, Spain, which has tragically claimed the lives of more than 200 individuals, with the potential for that number to rise by another 100 as rescue efforts continue and the full impact is assessed.
“Look at what’s happening in Spain,” he remarked solemnly. “It still takes my breath away.”
While addressing the audience in Europe, Murphy recognized that the urgency of climate change was not just an overseas concern; the destructive forces of nature had already made their presence felt closer to home. This fall alone, two powerful hurricanes wreaked havoc in Florida and North Carolina. Moreover, he recounted his discussions with six mayors from New Jersey, who are grappling with devastating wildfires fueled by an ongoing drought that has hit the state hard.
For Murphy, these alarming incidents serve as undeniable evidence of the reality of climate change and emphasize the critical necessity for immediate action to mitigate its effects.
On Friday, in a significant step forward, Governor Murphy signed a memorandum of understanding with The Climate Group, a prominent UK-based international nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving global net zero emissions by the year 2050. This partnership marks New Jersey’s entry into the Under2 Coalition, which stands as the largest global alliance of states and regions committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Let’s cut the debate: climate change is real, and we have to do something about it – today,” he asserted passionately. “Never mind something around the corner; we have to do something today.”
Murphy expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with The Climate Group and its CEO, Helen Clarkson, highlighting the alignment of their goals.
“Signing this MOU is so consistent with who we are and who we want to be,” he declared. “We’re looking forward to working with you. You all are world leaders. You’ve got a network that’s second to none in this space – and we would love to be able to both contribute to that network and also feed off of that network.”
Clarkson welcomed New Jersey into the fold, expressing her organization’s commitment to swift climate action.
“Our mission is to drive climate action fast,” she stated. “The way that we do that is to build big networks of companies and governments with really ambitious commitments – and use those commitments to drive changes in markets and in policy.”
Murphy outlined the state’s determination to leverage its initiatives for both environmental enhancement and economic growth.
“We’re committed to creating a new generation of economic opportunities,” he affirmed. “There used to be a false narrative that you can either be for economic growth or for battling climate change. This is an ‘and both’ scenario.”
State officials pointed out that New Jersey’s clean energy sector currently provides jobs for over 93,000 individuals across nearly 6,500 establishments, boasting the highest solar capacity per capita in the nation and leading the U.S. in total solar energy installations.
Wes Mathews, CEO of Choose New Jersey, which is sponsoring the governor’s five-day economic mission trip to the United Kingdom, underscored the significance of the MOU in the context of ongoing discussions.
“Environmental stewardship is right at the top of our values,” Mathews conveyed. “It is something we wear with an extreme badge of honor.”
With this agreement, New Jersey becomes the 17th U.S. state to join the Under2 Coalition.
The MOU lays the groundwork for collaboration between New Jersey and other coalition members, supporting international efforts and declarations aimed at addressing climate change. This includes adherence to pivotal agreements such as the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992), the Montreal Declaration (2009), the Cancun Statement (2011), the Lyon Declaration (2011), and the Paris Agreement (2015).
**Interview with Governor Phil Murphy on New Jersey’s Climate Action and Global Collaboration**
**Interviewer:** Governor Murphy, thank you for joining us. You recently addressed a critical gathering in London where you mentioned the devastating flooding in Spain. How do you see such international events impacting local climate policies here in New Jersey?
**Governor Murphy:** Thank you for having me. The catastrophic events we witness around the world serve as stark reminders that climate change knows no borders. What happened in Spain, with over 200 lives lost, is a wake-up call. Here in New Jersey, we’ve already experienced intense hurricanes and wildfires exacerbated by drought. These events drive home the reality that we are facing a climate crisis, and we need to act urgently, both locally and globally.
**Interviewer:** You signed a memorandum of understanding with The Climate Group, aligning New Jersey with the Under2 Coalition. What does this partnership mean for the state?
**Governor Murphy:** This MOU represents a significant commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey. By joining the Under2 Coalition, we are now part of the largest global alliance focused on achieving net zero emissions. It’s about collaboration, sharing best practices, and learning from other regions that are leading the way in climate action. We must prioritize action right now, not just in the distant future.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned urgent action in your speech. What specific initiatives can residents expect from your administration to shift away from fossil fuels by 2035?
**Governor Murphy:** We have a comprehensive plan that includes transitioning to electric vehicles, investing in renewable energy sources, and promoting energy-efficient buildings. We’re also enhancing public transit options to reduce overall carbon emissions. The goal is to create a sustainable and equitable green economy that not only addresses climate change but also provides economic opportunities for our communities.
**Interviewer:** Helen Clarkson, the CEO of The Climate Group, expressed enthusiasm for New Jersey’s involvement. How do you see this partnership shaping the future of your climate policies?
**Governor Murphy:** Collaborating with The Climate Group is incredibly valuable. They have a wealth of experience and a robust network of states and regions globally that are already making significant strides in climate action. We aim to both contribute and learn from this network. It will accelerate our efforts and help us meet our ambitious targets.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, Governor Murphy, what message would you like to share with the citizens of New Jersey regarding climate action?
**Governor Murphy:** My message is clear: climate change is real, and we can no longer afford to postpone action. We must all be part of the solution today. Every individual, business, and community plays a vital role in this fight. Together, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come. Let’s embrace this challenge and work towards a green economy for New Jersey.
