Ralph Lauren is among the latest recruits to the RE100 group of corporations backing a move to 100% renewable energy use.
The global fashion group is one of three new signatories to RE100, which said its members now number more than 200 as it demanded action to remove barriers to corporate renewable energy by governments attending the COP25 climate summit in Madrid.
RE100 said unfavourable policies are making it hard for companies to switch to wind and solar power in markets including China and Russia – but added that pressure from corporates is paying off elsewhere, with rule changes in South Korea and Taiwan.
Helen Clarkson , CEO, of The Climate Group, which helps run RE100, said:“At a time when UN research has said countries are under-delivering on climate action, leading businesses are stepping into the void left by national governments and accelerating the clean energy transition.
“With ten years left to halve greenhouse gas emissions, it is vital that governments respond faster to rising demand for renewable energy. Without decisive action, countries and the energy sector risk losing out on billions of US dollars in investment from RE100 companies.”