Prestigious annual award recognizes outstanding effort in the fight against climate change<

SAN FRANCISCO, CA  – the Climate Action Reserve, an environmental nonprofit organization and North America’s premier carbon offset registry, is pleased to honor the esteemed recipients of the inaugural Mary D. Nichols Climate Action Champion Awards.  The recipients all exemplify leadership and deep commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.  The awards carry on the tradition and trademark boxing belt of the Climate Action Champion Awards but have now been named in honor of Mary Nichols, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, and Founding Chair of the California Climate Action Registry – the predecessor of the Climate Action Reserve.

In announcing the awards, Gary Gero, president of the Climate Action Reserve, said “We are fortunate to work with many individuals and companies that have made tremendous contributions in addressing climate change, so the recipients of the Mary D. Nichols Climate Action Champion Award are held to very high standards.  Each year we are very selective when choosing the recipients, and this year we are honored to give the award to two individuals and two organizations that have truly made significant and lasting contributions in protecting our environment.”  The 2013 champions are:

Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary, UNFCCC, has truly had a global impact in implementing activities and bringing together different parties to address climate change.  She was appointed Executive Secretary on May 17, 2010 and brought with her an outstanding resume of work in environmental protection.  Ms. Figueres had been involved in climate change negotiations since 1995, having served as a member of the Costa Rican negotiating team and been elected Vice President of the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties from 2008-2009.  She founded the Center for Sustainable Development of the Americas (CSDA) in 1995.

James Goldstene, Undersecretary, State and Consumer Services Agency, was honored for the accomplishments he achieved while serving as Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board (ARB).  Appointed to that position in 2007, he oversaw the development and implementation of regulations and policies adopted by ARB.  Mr. Goldstene was a driving force behind the implementation of the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) and its cap-and-trade program, which created the second largest carbon market in the world.  “I am honored to receive this award and pleased with the progress that we made implementing ground breaking regulations that show California’s leadership in the fight to stop global warming.  It’s a privilege to receive this award in front of an audience that has been so deeply supportive of California’s work,” said Goldstene.

Disney, whose environmental legacy spans more than 60 years, is committed to protecting the planet for future generations and helping kids develop lifelong conservation values through nature exploration. The Company brings the magic of the natural world to kids through entertaining content including: engaging programs that inspire action like Disney’s Friends for Change, which has encouraged kids around the world to take nearly 20 million actions including beach cleanups and tree plantings; entertaining storytelling such as Disneynature films, which invests ticket proceeds to help protect precious ecosystems; experiences in places like Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which reflects the Company’s dedication to wildlife; and resources provided to organizations that protect habitats and develop education programs. Through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, the Company has provided more than $20 million to projects in more than half of the countries in the world.

Since its incorporation in 1967, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has been working to find innovative ways to solve big environmental problems and preserve the natural systems on which all life depends.  It has played a critical role in countless environmental initiatives around the world.  Here in California, it has been a stalwart supporter of the state’s pioneering initiatives in energy efficiency, renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.  It was a vocal and very active supporter of AB 32 and the cap-and-trade program. “For years EDF has been on the front lines, pioneering some of the most effective ways to combat climate change,” said Derek Walker, Associate Vice President US Climate and Energy Program.  “For that reason, it’s an honor to be recognized by the Climate Action Reserve, an organization who’s been a leader on this effort in their own right. We look forward to working with Reserve to continue advancing the right policies and supporting the innovation needed to reduce pollution and lead us to a cleaner energy future.”