I firmly believe that the engagement of the business sector in fighting climate change is crucial.
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Business leaders of 150 global companies this week called for a comprehensive, legally binding United Nations framework to tackle climate change.
The Bali Communiqué, led by the Prince of Wales’ UK and EU Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change, represents an unprecedented coming together of the international business community and includes some of the biggest companies and brands from around the world. The leaders hope that the initiative is likely to have a significant impact on the UN climate negotiations starting next week in Bali, Indonesia.
The 150 global companies argue that a “sufficiently ambitious, international and comprehensive legally-binding United Nations agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will provide business with the certainty it needs to scale up global investment in low-carbon technologies”. Companies supporting the call include Coca-Cola, Dupont, Nike, Pacific Gas and Electric, British Airways, Tesco, Shanghai Electric and National Australia Bank.
In reference to the Bali meeting, the companies urge world leaders to “seize this window of opportunity” and agree a “work-plan of comprehensive negotiations” to ensure an agreement can come into force post 2012 (when the existing Kyoto Protocol expires).
James Smith, the Chair of Shell UK said: "The message from the international business community couldn't be clearer. A comprehensive, legally-binding United Nations agreement to tackle climate change will provide business with the certainty it needs to scale up global investment in low carbon technologies. The cost of inaction far out weighs the cost of taking action now. It is crucial that, at the Bali conference, countries agree a work plan of comprehensive negotiations to ensure a robust policy framework is in place, to guide us forward over the coming decades."
