Paris, France - Joining the world's top climate leaders on his fourth day at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in France, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) spoke today at the United Nations Children's Fund ‘Earth to Paris’ forum. Other panelist included Jules Kortenhorst of the Rocky Mountain Institute, Bernard J. Tyson-CEO of Kaiser Permanente, Pasquale Romano-President of Chargepoint, and Thad Miller of Calpine on how California’s innovation has quickly become a global leader on climate and clean energy action across sectors and a model for subnational public-private collaboration.

“California’s clean and efficient energy economy continues to grow faster than any other state.  Even during the periods of major statewide economic downturn—new clean energy either grew or remained stable. This is a step in the right direction and we must continue creating more innovative jobs to help our environment and community for future generations,” stated Assemblymember Garcia.

During the COP21 conference, California has played a key role in helping achieve the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius. The implementation of green energy market principles, reducing carbon and other pollutants, which the state has implemented, has served as a model to help combat climate change at the twenty-first session of the UN Conference of the Parties forum.

“The world is watching us, and we must continue leading the way by procuring more renewable energy resources that will help us meet the state’s greenhouse gas goals --while at the same time consider using viable renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass that both our Coachella and Imperial Valley possess,” said Garcia. “An increase in renewable energy is the bedrock of sustainable economic growth in a region.”

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) which finishes this week has brought in experts, advocates, and CEOs to Paris to discuss creative and impactful climate solutions to inspire bold, meaningful action for people and the planet.

For more information on the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) log on to: http://www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/