Over 100 CEOs from Ireland’s top companies met in Dublin recently to discuss a collaborative business response to climate change. The forum was hosted by Business in the Community Ireland as part of National Corporate Responsibility Week 2009.
The aim was to bring together the leaders of the largest businesses in Ireland to debate and discuss how best to combat climate change by business; how the recession has impacted on their progress if at all; the way forward for a low carbon economy in Ireland and how this issue impacts our competitiveness.
The conclusions from the forum will form the backbone of a report being compiled for government on recommendations for eliminating the barriers so as to progress Ireland as a low carbon society.
Speakers included Jim O’Hara CEO of Intel, Padraig Mc Manus CEO of ESB, Martin Sewell, Senior Research Associate, University of Cambridge, Centre for Climate Change Mitigation Research and Mike Barry, Head of Sustainable Business, Marks and Spencers plc.
Commenting on the event, Tina Roche, CEO of Business in the Community Ireland, said: “Climate change is the most significant long term issue that we need to worry about right now. Transition to a low carbon economy is not an option but an obligation and also, importantly, an opportunity for Ireland Inc to change, adapt and lead.
“We need to look beyond short-term targets to innovation and competitiveness and ask why some businesses are going further than others. Collaborative action is the key to solving the climate crisis and working forums such as this are essential to allow for this joint response”
Government have asked Business in the Community Ireland to report back on the session and to outline to them, both, the responses to the barriers that business face to taking action on climate change and the strategic direction Ireland should follow to lead in a low carbon economy. This report will be compiled and presented to government in the coming months and it is hoped to advance the green agenda across the board within all government departments.