A changing business climate
The private sector’s propensity for innovation and ability to influence large sections of society – such as consumer and supplier behaviour - are amongst the key contributions that business can make to help achieve our climate change ambitions.
The landscape of how 21st century private sector operates is changing and future business success will be contingent on understanding climate change. it makes business sense to plan strategies to take account of climate risks and to grasp low carbon opportunities.
In reducing emissions, businesses will help be the source of technological innovation and investment that will catalyse the transition of Britain to a low carbon economy. As energy users themselves, the UK private sector is responsible for about 40% of total greenhouse gas emissions, and so reductions in this sector will significantly impact our overall carbon footprint. Business can also reap financial benefits of emissions reductions improved energy efficiency.
In the run up to Copenhagen, businesses can share experiences and communicate their own plans for a low-carbon future, and help identify how private sector action can facilitate, and advocate, a global agreement. This will be crucial in building supportive conditions for a global deal.
Engaging business and Government
UK private sector organisations are amongst some of the most progressive in the world when it comes to taking action on climate change, and acting as advocates for a strong international agreement. UK groups such as the Confederation of British Industry, the Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change, Business in the Community and the Carbon Trust are extremely active in working with Governments and their peers both in the UK and around the world to share their experiences and encourage action to tackle climate change. Along with organisations such as the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC), the UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy (UKBCSE) and the Carbon Markets and Investor’s Association these organisations have also provided valuable input into the UK’s international policy-making efforts.
Similarly, initiatives by many household names such as those involved in the Climate Group’s ‘Together’ campaign - which brings together a selection of UK high street businesses - have helped to significant amounts of CO2.
Related links
'We must act early on low-carbon transition to take full advantage' Ed Miliband in The Times.
'Climate Change - Everyone's Business', CBI Report
Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change
'Together' campaign, The Climate Group
Business in the Community - The Prince's May Day Network
Corporate Leaders Group
The Prince of Wales' Corporate Leader's Group on Climate Change launch their 'Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change', setting out a call for 500 of the largest companies to urge Governments to agree an ambitious deal at Copenhagen.
Business emphasise need for climate leadership
Business leaders across the UK have called for European and global leadership and the opportunity offered by climate change
CBI calls to turn British brainpower into business success
The CBI launches on 8 September a report that makes 10 recommendations to help Britain lead the way in low-carbon innovation.
Business increasingly turn to Copenhagen
Flurry of business activity demonstrates the private sector is looking to Copenhagen as a major milestone in the transition to a prosperous low carbon future.
Climate investment funds performing well
Investment funds focused on climate change have outperformed global stock markets over the last five years, according to new study.
Businesses could save billions through resource efficiency
Over £6.4 billion could be saved by businesses every year by taking simple money saving steps, according to a new Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) campaign launched on 4th November at the WRAP annual conference.
Business week: November 23
Businesses across the UK give their message for why an ambitious agreement at Copenhagen is essential for business across the UK and around the world.
Indian business move to low carbon economy
The most famous names from India's business world have thrown their weight behind the need for the paradigm shift towards a low carbon economy that is crucial to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
The Prince's May Day Network
The Prince's May Day Network is the UK's largest group of businesses committed to taking action on climate change. By sharing best practice, these businesses promise to play a powerful role in reducing the UK's carbon emissions
Bioregional
BioRegional is an entrepreneurial charity which initiates and delivers practical solutions that help us to live within a fair share of the earth's resources
Upcoming events
CBI Quarterly Breakfasts, London. June, September, December
WEF ‘New Champions’ meeting, Dalian, China. 12 September
WEF Annual Forum, Davos, Switzerland. 27-31 January 2010
Watch the latest climate change video at the Foreign Office YouTube channel
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