 Foreword
Björn Stigson, President,
World Business Council for Sustainable Development
The world is entering a new phase that will be characterised by green growth. This will drive the economic growth needed to raise the living standards of the world’s poor via resource-efficient low-carbon technologies and changed lifestyles.
The world’s population is growing; by 2050, it is estimated that it will be at 9 billion, 50% more than today. Many of these people will be aspiring to better lives and livelihoods, and it is difficult to see how these can be achieved without providing them with adequate access to electricity, clean water, housing and transport infrastructure. The challenge for climate negotiators is to come up with the policy framework that fosters the level of economic growth that delivers these things, but does so in a low-carbon way.
Our response to climate change must be united, resolute and cooperative. And it must be immediate. Whatever happens in Copenhagen this December, we must not lose sight of this. We need to put the world back on to a sustainable path.
Business knows that “business as usual” is no longer an option. The future world will be different, with a transformation of society and consumption patterns. Business will be a key provider of the innovations that will be essential to finding climate solutions, but we need clear and consistent framework conditions in order to invest.
All around us a new industrial revolution is under way. The “green” era is upon us. Every country and sector of society must be involved, because every person’s life will be changed in some way. New jobs, new industries, new technologies all promise opportunities and hint at losses of some of the old. We need to maximise that promise and not let fear, short-sightedness and self-interest stand in our way now that we have come so far.
So, where will the world be in January, after the spotlight of the Copenhagen climate talks has dimmed? I can’t say for sure but I know where I hope we will be: I hope we will be along the road to sustainable development, facilitated by a global climate agreement, and propelled along by a new enthusiasm for a high-growth, low-carbon economy and a commitment to changes that make a difference.
For more information please visit:
www.wbcsd.org
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