12 September 2019 – The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) launches new leadership group to accelerate climate action in Europe.
Dame Polly Courtice DBE, LVO, was Founder Director of the University of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (1989–2021). She is now Emeritus Director and Senior Ambassador, CISL.
CISL has launched a new leadership group which aims to become the leading business voice in Europe to support the transition to a climate neutral economy.
CLG Europe is a new cross-sectoral group of businesses with a presence in Europe, working with EU and global policymakers and peers to support stronger ambition and accelerated action on climate change. The group is made up of major companies, including household names and market leaders, such as EDF, Iberdrola, IKEA and Interface.
The new group was revealed at an event in Brussels on September 10, with speakers including Dame Polly Courtice, Founder Director of CISL, Mauro Petriccione, European Commission Director General for Climate Action, Pascal Canfin, MEP and Chair of the European Parliament Environment Committee and MEP Niels Fuglsang. The event will also celebrate 30 years of CISL and 10 years of CISL’s work in Europe.
Polly Courtice, Director Founder of CISL said:
“CLG Europe draws on our successful track record of activity and engagement in Europe, and will bring together world-class thought leadership, high-level policy-related convening, and impactful communications and engagement to create a voice for business that is influential, cross-sectoral and pan-European. This comes at a critical stage for the EU, which now has in its grasp a huge opportunity to uphold its status as a pioneer for sustainability and climate policy innovation.”
Eliot Whittington, Director, Corporate Leaders Groups, said:
“As more and more voices rightly highlight the urgency and seriousness of the climate challenge, it is critical that business and government come together to respond. CLG Europe has come together to provide a clear business led voice supporting ambition, identifying where policymakers and businesses must work together, and positioning European economies in the forefront of the new industries and business models that the world will need.”
Nigel Stansfield, President, Interface, EAAA (Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia) said:
"Climate change continues to be one of the biggest problems facing the world today. Organisations, people and governments have the power to reverse the impact to the planet but we need to act now. Through forums like the new CLG Europe, businesses can work together to drive more ambitious climate policy in Europe. At Interface we have made a pledge to be carbon negative by 2040. We invite industry to join us on our own journey to tackle global warming and create a carbon neutral future."
The influential members group, convened by CISL, builds on a decade of work from The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group that helped reshape consensus amongst the UK business community in support of climate action and played a significant role in delivering the world’s first Climate Change Act. CISL has also worked at the heart of Europe for 10 years from its Brussels office.
CLG Europe aims to galvanise rapid implementation of the Paris Agreement and EU agreement for a 2050 net zero target, and its work is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Distinct from The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group in the UK, CLG Europe has a separate EU focus. Both Corporate Leaders Groups share an international workstream.