Day one of Reuters IMPACT launched in London with a packed schedule of business executives, politicians and thought leaders to discuss strategies and perspectives on how companies can play a role in averting the impacts of climate change.
Some of the many notable speakers today included UK Net Zero Strategy Chair Chris Skidmore, UN Chief Heat Officer Eleni Myrivili, easyJet CEO Johan Lundgren, Climate Group CEO Helen Clarkson, Milliken & Company CEO Halsey M. Cook Jr., UK Climate Change Committee member and Co-Head of the UK Transition Plan Taskforce Secretariat Ben Caldecott, Africa Finance Corporation CEO Samaila Zubairu, and Co-Chair of the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market Annette Nazareth.
On day two of Reuters IMPACT tomorrow, you can expect to hear from Bezos Earth Fund CEO Andrew Steer, Executive Director of the International Institute for Environment and Development Tom Mitchell, HSBC Group Chief Sustainability Officer Celine Herweijer, CalSTRS CEO Cassandra Lichnock, and Ambassador of the Embassy of Switzerland to the UK Markus Leitner.
Take a look below at news highlights from today’s forum:
From suppliers to costs, sustainability goals challenge companies
As they endeavour to meet lofty sustainability goals, companies from Japan’s Asahi to retailer John Lewis face challenges like confusion among suppliers, tough legislation, and friction with top management over costs, executives said.
Decarbonisation cost shouldn’t fall to consumer, easyJet CEO says
Decarbonisation efforts in the aviation sector will cost more money, but that cost should not fall to the consumer, easyJet Chief Executive Johan Lundgren said on Wednesday. He added that options to decarbonise, like creating sustainable aviation fuels, are not yet at scale and cost three to five times more than typical jet fuel.
UK could lose global climate leadership, says former energy minister
Britain could lose its position as a global leader in the push to cut net greenhouse gas emissions to zero and is failing to set out a positive enough narrative for voters, former British energy minister Chris Skidmore said on Wednesday.
UN chief heat officer says warming cities pose potential to be major killers
The United Nations’ first global chief heat officer called on Wednesday for political leaders to make firm commitments at November’s COP28 climate meeting to stem rapidly rising temperatures in cities, particularly in poorer countries.
Milliken CEO says regulatory, supply gridlocks slowing energy transition
Regulatory and supply gridlocks are holding back corporate progress in the transition away from fossil fuels to a greener economy, the chief executive of U.S. based industrial and chemical manufacturer Milliken and Company said on Wednesday.
Tune into Day 2 of Reuters IMPACT here.
Media Contact:
Heather Carpenter
Heather.Carpenter @ tr.com