Obama Deepens Effort to Win Firms' Backing on Climate

The White House on Monday redoubled efforts to enlist U.S. companies in the fight against climate change, announcing dozens more back a global climate deal and pledge to curb emissions.

Ahead of a meeting between President Barack Obama and CEOs later Monday, the White House said 81 companies had committed to concrete mitigation measures.

The companies include Google, Xerox and Intel, who will take measures like reducing water usage, purchasing renewable energy and adjusting their supply chains.

In July, a dozen firms ranging from Apple to General Motors to Goldman Sachs made similar pledges.

But with weeks to go before a major climate conference in Paris, the administration has enlisted dozens more in its cause.

"We are going to keep working this, to try to raise the profile of the effort, to try to encourage additional companies to look at what they are doing and sign on between now and Paris," said Brian Deese, one of Obama's top environment advisors.

At the December climate summit, countries from around the world will try to forge rules aimed at limiting global temperature increases to two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

Obama has made action on climate change a priority and has rallied support for the December talks. 

Facing stiff opposition from the Republican-controlled Congress, his administration has responded with a steady drumbeat of initiatives to advocate for measures to curb warming.

He has encouraged other nations, domestic voters, companies and state and local government to get engaged, in the hope of reframing the debate.

Todd Brady, global environmental director at Intel, said the administration's drive has given companies the push needed to deepen already existing climate efforts.

"Our pledge is a combination of both actions that are continuing, and new steps," he said. 

"It has caused us to step back and take a look at the steps we are taking and say maybe we should be doing more."