Climate change is one of the greatest environmental, social and economic threats facing the planet.

During the last century, the Earth's average surface temperature rose by around 0.6°C. Evidence is getting stronger that most of the global warming that has occurred over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects that global average surface temperatures will rise by a further 1.4 to 5.8°C by the end of this century. This global temperature increase is likely to trigger serious consequences for humanity and other life forms alike, including a rise in sea levels of an estimated 9 to 88 cm by the end of this century, which will endanger coastal areas and small islands, and a greater frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

Human activities that contribute to climate change include in particular the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, both of which cause emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main gas responsible for climate change, as well as other greenhouse gases (GHGs). In order to bring climate change to a halt, global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced significantly.

MDG 7: ensure environmental sustainability

This event proposes to focus on MDG 7: ‘ensure environmental sustainability’.

Target 1:

Target - Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources.

Reality - Rapid deforestation continues, but the net loss of forest area is slowing down. Energy use has become more efficient in most regions, though CO2 emissions continue to rise globally.

Target 2:

Target - Reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water.

Reality - With half of developing country populations still lacking basic sanitation, the world is unlikely to reach its target. World targets for safe drinking water are in sight, but coverage remains spotty in rural areas.

Target 3:

Target - Achieve significant improvement in lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers, by 2020.

Reality - Cities in sub-Saharan Africa are growing most rapidly, as are their slums.

The business case - addressing climate change

Government, business and wider society will all be affected by climate change and all have a role to play in tackling it.

Leading companies also recognise that there are often compelling business reasons to reduce emissions of heat-trapping GHGs that go beyond the obvious concern of protecting the natural environment. By minimising dependence on fossil fuels and improving operational efficiencies, companies can save money, reduce compliance costs and avoid additional tax burdens. Proactive companies also can buffer themselves from climate-related business impacts such as rising insurance rates for industrial activities and tighter regulations that affect operating costs. Reducing GHG emissions also can create future business opportunities such as providing cleaner energy sources, more efficient products and advanced vehicle technologies. Many actions that companies can take to reduce emissions are common to most organisations and potentially cost-effective.

Learning how to manage climate protection as a business asset can make a company a better neighbour amongst stakeholders, improve the bottom line and reduce threats to the environment and public health.

The event - business and climate change

Objectives:

• Introduce climate change and its implications;

• Provide the business case for tackling climate change;

• Raise awareness of successful climate change initiatives;

• Promote practical ways in which the UNA-UK membership, and those working in (or with) business, can contribute towards addressing climate change.