Geneva, 12 July 2018: 60 businesses making up nearly fifty percent of New Zealand’s emissions have joined forces to tackle the issue of climate change.
It’s a significant move by the New Zealand business community, being praised as “strong” and “unprecedented” by local and global organisations.
On a mission to reduce emissions in New Zealand, the group of 60 CEOs have formed the Climate Leaders Coalition, recognising the role that business can play in bringing about change and signing a joint statement, which commits their companies to action. The Climate Leaders Coalition has been launched in partnership with the Sustainable Business Council – a global network partner of WBCSD.
The goal of the new group - which includes the leaders of Z, Westpac, Ngai Tahu Holdings, Vector, Air New Zealand, Spark and NZ Post - is to help New Zealand transition to a low emissions economy and, in doing so, create a positive future for New Zealanders, business, and the economy.
Together, the members of the Climate Leaders Coalition represent a variety of businesses from different industries, which contribute to almost half of New Zealand’s emissions.
The CEOs’ Climate Change Statement is the first step taken by the Climate Leaders Coalition in their drive for positive change.
By signing the CEO Climate Change Statement, each of the business leaders have committed to measuring and reporting their greenhouse gas emissions and working with suppliers to reduce emissions, with the aim of helping to keep global warming within two degrees, as specified in the Paris Agreement.
Within the second part of the CEO Climate Change Statement, business leaders cement their support for the Paris Agreement and New Zealand’s commitment to it, and back the introduction of a Climate Commission along with the establishment of carbon budgets, enshrined in law.
In addition to committing to the Statement, the businesses involved in the Climate Leaders Coalition are also dedicating considerable resources, expertise and funding towards projects which centre around solutions-driven thinking.
Leaders involved are viewing climate change as an opportunity for their business to innovate and access new markets, with many already eager to realise the potential, having multiple initiatives and actions underway.
Business owners looking to commit to action on climate change and play their part in the transition to a low emissions economy can find out more about the CEO Climate Change Statement, by visiting www.climateleaderscoalition.org.nz.
