The Business Case for a Strong Global Deal

Prepared for the World Business Summit on Climate Change by the ClimateWorks Foundation

Foreword

The Business Case for a Strong Global Deal is a recipe for sucess: a model for how global society in the next few years could turn the greatest threat to civilization into a unique opportunity for new growth and quality of life.

But it is not a success which comes easily. It calls for difficult choices and sharp prioritizations. Yet we find ourselves at a point in history where we actually have the power to make those choices. We can implement policies and take actions that will place humanity on a sustainable path towards future development.

This paper, written especially for the business community, provides the blueprint to achieve a sustainable economy. It is based on the extensive research that the ClimateWorks Foundation has initiated through Project Catalyst and which draws on input from 150 climate change experts from over 30 countries and analytical support by McKinsey & Company.

The results are thought-provoking, challenging and inspiring. It illustrates that the world's climate problems are manageable. Nearly all the required technologies and competencies are at our disposal, including the necessary financial resources. We have the choice to embark on a pathway that stabilizes the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and steers us towards economic and environmental prosperity – and this choice is an affordable one.

Although these choices are far from simple, they cannot be postponed indefinitely. They demand a close partnership between politicians and business leaders: a framework for a green, sustainable economy is required and the business world must use it to its full potential.

That is why The Business Case for a Strong Global Deal is a perfect discussion paper for the World Business Summit on Climate Change, taking place from May 24-26 in Copenhagen. Therefore it is with pleasure that the Copenhagen Climate Council presents this paper in cooperation with the ClimateWorks Foundation.

The Council's mission statement sets an objective of no more than 450ppm for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in an effort to prevent dangerous changes to the global climate. It is exactly the numbers and facts behind this target that Project Catalyst reveals – with the conclusion that it is tough but doable.

For the Copenhagen Climate Council it is of utmost importance to move the focus in the climate debate from risks to opportunities – and establish who will solve what tasks and on what terms. Project Catalyst's analyses demonstrate that with a timely and focused effort and the correct political incentives and conditions, climate action can be good for the planet as well as the bottom line.

Advancing this interaction is the purpose of the World Business Summit on Climate Change. We look forward to presenting and debating the discussion paper – and look forward to the results of the negotiations at COP15 in December in Copenhagen.

Erik Rasmussen
CEO, Monday Morning;
Founder, Copenhagen Climate Council