Business Beyond 2 Degrees: implications of meeting and missing climate change targets

Abstract

Can we beat climate change? For business, there are two sides to answering that question. On the one hand, there are the consequences for business of actions to avoid a rise in global average temperatures. On the other hand, there are the consequences for business if it becomes apparent that the 2oC target will not be met, and therefore companies will inhabit an environment characterised by climate instability. In both cases, climate change challenges will make a fundamental difference not only to the way business operates, but also to governance, notions of value, the kinds of company that prosper, and the definition of a successful business.

This seminar explains how climate change will fundamentally alter business, and sketches out what business needs to do – as well as what needs to be done to business – in order to ready commercial enterprise for the new era. It pays attention to the implications for governance – both governance by business and the governance of business. As well as identifying what aspects of business will be affected, it also asks what transformations are possible given the timeframe within which climate change action will take place.

Biography

Mick Blowfield is director of IIED’s Shaping Sustainable Markets research group, the home for IIED’s work on the green economy, environmental economics, sustainable finance, and the private sector’s role in sustainable development.   He is a researcher and global thought leader on business and sustainability. He works with major companies, NGOs and government agencies on what business will look like in the 21st century, and how it will make the transition from where we are now to the future.

More info: https://www.iied.org/users/mick-blowfield

Directions to venue At the School of Earth and Environment Reception take the door on the right-hand side. The Seminar Rooms are immediately on the left. To find School of Earth and Environment, see Campus Map