Climate Change Conference - Path of Hope or Path of Surrender? - Edition 13

Climate Change Conference - Path of Hope or Path of Surrender?

December 8th - Edition #13

UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) has started this week in Madrid and the call to action has never been so clear. Science has provided us with credible, objective, indisputable facts on Climate change. Recently, yet again, two major reports underscored the scope and scale of the climate challenge, sounding the alarm for the entire global economy:

The landmark Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, on its fifth assessment, revealed an astonishingly small window of opportunity to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, prescribing nothing short of an overhaul of the world economy to protect against the devastation that lies in wait should we stay the course.
The american National Climate Assessment warned that climate change could wipe out 10% of the US economy, costing $500bn per year by the turn of the century.

We have the data, we know the consequences, we understand what needs to be done. Now it is all about action:

Action from Governments, specially from the great emitters of greenhouse gases (US, China, India, Japan). EU is leading the way and needs to continue doing so and next crucial step needs to be a clear policy on carbon pricing.
Action from Businesses, understanding that there is a $12T business opportunity and new sources of competitive advantage can be created.
Action from civil society, not easing on the pressure for politicians to approve the tough laws and regulations that are needed.
Action from consumers who “vote when they shop”.
Action from the young generations that have the most to lose with the apathy of current leaders and need to lead the way to ensure we will be living in a carbon neutral world by 2050.

As UN Secretary-General António Guterres reminded us all: "Do we really want to be remembered as the generation that buried its head in the sand? We are at a crossroad that will lead us through a path of Hope or a path of Surrender.”

Have a great and impactful week!

Center for Responsible Business and Leadership
Católica-Lisbon School of Business & Economics

The Center for Responsible Business & Leadership has the main purpose of contributing for Sustainability and Responsible Leadership to become part of the “way we do things in our planet”. Find out more here.

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"Have a Great and Impactful Week!" is sent out every Sunday at 5PM, bringing new insights on the world of corporate responsibility, sustainability and responsible leadership. It is often signed by the Center's Executive Director, Nuno Moreira da Cruz.