UNFCCC Joins Caring For Climate

Read the press release on our website: http://unfccc.int/press/press_releases_advisories/items/5853.php

(New York, 19 September 2011) – Today, the United Nations Global Compact, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC Secretariat) signed an agreement to join forces on Caring for Climate, the Global Compact-UNEP initiative aimed at advancing the role of business in addressing climate change.

The three organizations will work together to better align Caring for Climate with the climate policy agenda and enhance the visibility of business actions in the process. In the months ahead and starting at the 17th Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC (COP 17) to be held in Durban, South Africa later this year, Caring for Climate signatories will have several opportunities to exchange information and experiences, and enhance their understanding of the UNFCCC process.

Launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2007, Caring for Climate: the Global Business Leadership Platform is endorsed by nearly 400 companies from 65 countries. It provides a framework for business leaders to advance practical solutions, articulate climate strategies, and help shape public policy as well as public attitudes. To better guide its future development, the initiative will seek strategic input from the UNFCCC Secretariat through the Caring for Climate Steering Committee.

"Caring for Climate signatories are at the forefront of climate innovation, technologies and solutions,” said UN Global Compact Executive Director Georg Kell. “Aligning the initiative with the UNFCCC allows climate leaders in business to help shape public policy and move towards a more effective global climate change framework."

“Business has a critical role to play in the switch to the low-carbon, green economy that will be essential if we are to meet the climate challenges ahead,” said Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP and Under Secretary General of the United Nations. “Many of the businesses that have joined Caring for Climate are leaders in their fields, companies that have already shown significant commitment to sustainability by investing in the opportunities offered by low-carbon solutions. I am pleased that by joining forces with the UNFCCC, Caring for Climate members will have an amplified voice in the climate policy debate.”

“The UNFCCC Secretariat is delighted to join the UN Global Compact and UNEP in Caring for Climate. Governments must lead the way toward the needed transformation of the world economy, but the power of business needs to help make it happen,” said Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC Secretariat.

About the United Nations Global Compact Launched in 2000, the United Nations Global Compact is a call to companies around the world to align their strategies and operations with ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to take action in support of broader UN goals. Through the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible corporate policies and practices, business can help ensure that markets advance in ways that benefit economies and societies everywhere. With more than 8,000 signatories in over 135 countries, it is the world’s largest corporate responsibility initiative. www.unglobalcompact.org

About the United Nations Environment Programme The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the voice for the environment in the UN system. Established in 1972, UNEP's mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP is an advocate, educator, catalyst and facilitator promoting the wise use of the planet's natural assets for sustainable development. It works with many partners, UN entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, business, industry, the media and civil society. UNEP's work involves providing support for: environmental assessment and reporting; legal and institutional strengthening and environmental policy development; sustainable use and management of natural resources; integration of economic development and environmental protection; and promoting public participation in environmental management. www.unep.org

About the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change With 195 Parties, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has near universal membership and is the parent treaty of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol has been ratified by 192 of the UNFCCC Parties. Under the Protocol, 37 States, consisting of highly industrialized countries and countries undergoing the process of transition to a market economy, have legally binding emission limitation and reduction commitments. The ultimate objective of both treaties is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. www.unfccc.int

ENDS

© Scoop Media