The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) has published a new report, highlighting 20 years of impact from the Corporate Leaders Groups (CLGs).
The publication, Shape or be Shaped: Activating Business in an Age of Disruption, also outlines how CISL and the CLGs will enable businesses to transform the markets needed in the future.
Download Shape or be Shaped: Activating Business in an Age of Disruption
At this critical moment, when political consensus has fractured and market sentiment has faltered, the CLGs are building on the strengths and insights of their members to:
- Reset the narrative to frame action in ways that are relevant to today
- Broaden the base of support, moving beyond a small group of leaders to build wider mainstream support
- Support business to speak out. Governments need visible, vocal signals that business stands ready to invest, innovate, and scale solutions.
Shape or be Shaped includes next steps for how CISL will engage and enable business to be proactive about forming the markets it needs in the future.
Eliot Whittington, Director of the CLGs and Chief Systems Change Officer at CISL, said: “The CLGs have been at the forefront of climate action for two decades now. They have been a critically important voice in championing stronger climate policies to unlock and accelerate business action. The existing and new groups around the world show that, around the world, businesses can see the value of partnering with governments to address climate action and build a new, cleaner economy.
“Right now, the need for business to demonstrate support for climate action is stronger than ever. The significant damage caused by climate change, and the huge potential of innovations like new renewable energy and electric vehicles show what’s at stake and what’s possible. At the same time, these issues face renewed backlash, meaning it’s critical to reaffirm the broad and credible support that exists within the business community for a green and resilient economy.”
Anne Chassagnette, Chief Sustainability Officer, Johnson Matthey, and Co-Chair of CLG UK, said: “CISL’s latest publication serves as an effective reminder of the urgency for businesses to take action now to shape the markets we need in a sustainable future. For 20 years now, the Corporate Leaders Groups have served as a catalyst to bring together business voices and advocate for consistent policy action supporting a climate neutral and socially inclusive economy. Today, their action is more than ever needed to help reset the narrative and support businesses advocating for systemic change.”
Gonzalo Saenz De Mirea, Director of Climate Change and Alliances, Iberdrola, and Chair of CLG Europe, said: “It is in the interests of business to act now to accelerate the transition. Not only will this help them manage risk but also gain early-mover advantages - setting future standards and influencing policy direction and capital flows. By 2035 sustainable industries will likely be dominant forces in global markets.”
Fleming Voetmann, Vice President for External Relations and Sustainability, VELUX, and Vice-Chair of CLG Europe, said: “20 years of CLG shaping a dialogue around climate action and sustainable industry in Europe! A lot has been achieved, even more remains to be done to ensure Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and wellbeing of people. It requires an EU industrial policy anchored in the Green Deal — one that offers businesses clarity and long-term certainty, while keeping citizens front and centre.”
Nico van der Merwe, Cluster Leader – Europe West, Signify, said: “As a society, we cannot produce or consume like we used to. The private sector can play a leading role in encouraging the development and adoption of credible solutions which form simple decarbonisation pathways. Doing so requires forming the right partnerships, formed with a shared vision of responsible innovation and focusing on all pillars of sustainability.”
Download Shape or be Shaped: Activating Business in an Age of Disruption