Business leaders challenge governments to set strong climate targets

Suzanne Goldberg.

A group of high-profile business leaders has challenged governments to set strong targets and not slam the door on limiting warming to 1.5C.

On Monday, a Paris meeting aimed at reaching a global deal to fight climate change kicks up to a gear, with government ministers taking charge of negotiations.

As ministers arrived in Paris, the chief executives of companies such as Virgin, Marks & Spencer, L’Oreal and Unilever said it was critical for governments to reach for stronger targets that would free the world’s economy from carbon emissions by 2050 and avoid dangerous warming.

Read Suzanne Goldenberg’s on The Guardian - “Coalition of business leaders challenges 2C climate change target.”

CEOs just want climate certainity for Christmas

A

ll business wants for Christmas is a global carbon price, a long term climate goal and regular UN reviews to ensure all countries are pulling their weight.

That’s the assessment of Peter Bakker, formerly CEO of TNT Netherlands, now running the Geneva-based World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

The 200-strong body represents some of the world’s top banking, energy and manufacturing businesses, counting Kellogg’s, L’Oreal, Infosys, Chevron, BP and Shell as members.

It’s a loose coalition, but one that carries clout, given the trillions of dollars members have to invest.

Bakker told Climate Home he is relatively “neutral” over current plans for a global climate deal, set to be signed off 12 days before Santa starts dropping off presents.

Read the Climate Home story - “CEOs to the rescue: Can business save the world from climate change?”