23 October 2014
October 2011 – This Communiqué – the fifth such statement – is being issued to governments by leaders of over 200 companies from around the world. As business leaders, we are committed to action on climate change, sustainable development and the green economy. Green growth offers the potential to create a more prosperous and resilient economy, and deliver innovation, new industries and jobs. We continue to broaden understanding amongst our peers of the economic case for green growth and the urgency of meeting the 2°C challenge.
How do we protect growth in a world of ‘new normals’?
23 October 2014
November 2011 – Last Friday the Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) approved a new report on ‘Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters for Climate Change Adaptation’. This is compelling reading both for those interested in climate change science, and for those working everyday to protect future economic and social activity.
Moving beyond the uncertainty of climate change risk
23 October 2014
April 2012 – Inherent uncertainty means that every statement made in relation to climate change risk must be caveated, but that is not an excuse for inaction.
David Buckland: A simple and undeniable truth
23 October 2014
December 2012 – For the past 12 years, the Cape Farewell project has embedded climate scientists with artists, writers and film-makers to address what has been described as humanity’s greatest challenge: anthropogenic climate change. The two intellectual tribes of scientists and artists have been surprised at the closeness of their shared quest to define how we can comprehend the complexities of the climate challenge. Both have benefited from each other’s ambition to envision a cultural shift that could lead towards sustainable societies.
David Reiner: Perspectives on Carbon Capture and Storage
23 October 2014
December 2012 – Dr David Reiner’s research follows international negotiations on climate change, the consequent development of national climate change and energy policies, and public perception and communications regarding energy and climate policies. Much of his research focuses on regulatory design in energy and environmental policy, such as in setting goals in regulation and on wider public attitudes towards energy – for example, the upcoming rollout of smart meters and its likely impact on consumer demand.
Julian Allwood: Sustainable Materials With Both Eyes Open
23 October 2014
December 2012 – The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that global greenhouse gas reductions of 50–85 per cent will be needed by 2050 to avoid dangerous climate change, representing a radical shift away from today’s fossil-fuel-derived economy. This begs the question: is such a reduction achievable, and if so, how? This is one of the key challenges tackled through the research of Dr Julian Allwood and his Low Carbon Materials Processing Group (LCMPG) at the University of Cambridge.
Mike Brown: Hard limits flexible strategies
23 October 2014
December 2012 – COP17 – the 17th Conference of the Parties for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – proved a catalyst for South African business to engage more deeply with the challenges of climate change. What became clear through my attendance at the event, and my active participation in the South African Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change, is that the global climate system is not open to negotiation.
Carlos Fadigas: Business as part of the solution
23 October 2014
December 2012 – There are many roles for business in developing sustainability, but the most important is to integrate sustainability principles into business strategy. Sustainability means much more than just worrying about the environmental impacts of business operations – this only represents ‘business as usual’. I prefer the idea of looking for the business opportunities that could arise from the huge challenge of trying to raise living standards for a likely population of 9 billion in 2050, yet remaining within the limits of our planet.
Sandrine Dixson Decleve Leadership Creating the Space to Act
23 October 2014
December 2012 – Europe’s policy leaders at all levels of the political ladder – from the EU institutions to the member states – are confronted daily with short-term economic challenges. As a result, sustainability and climate issues are often set aside, and leadership is waning.
Polly Courtice: The critical link: strategy and sustainability in leadership development
23 October 2014
January 2013 – Over the past 25 years, business has shifted its response to sustainability issues from a focus on compliance and reputation management to longer-term risk management and building competitive advantage.
