Calling for net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050
Richard Branson
Delighted to join my fellow B Team leaders in calling for a global commitment to net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050, a meaningful and effective price on carbon, and a shift of fossil fuel subsidies to renewables. These are absolutely essential steps to be taken if we are serious about tackling climate change.
The underlying science doesn’t give us much room for manoeuvring. The latest assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that achieving net zero by 2071 will only provide a 66 percent chance of limiting global warming to 2°C. This is the threshold humanity must not cross in order to avoid the most catastrophic consequences of climate change – consequences that are already being felt in many parts of the planet, disproportionately affecting the world’s poorest. That’s why we’re calling for net zero emissions by 2050 – and for this to be a cornerstone of the Paris climate agreement to be reached later this year. Negotiations are commencing next week in Geneva, which is why we have no time to lose.
But despite the urgency to act, I remain optimistic. We have the enormous opportunity in our hands to make a positive difference for business, people and the planet. Taking bold climate action now has the potential to unleash the full power of business and at the same time lift millions of people out of poverty . We’re the first generation to recognize this and the last generation that will have this opportunity.
One thing is clear. This must be a collective effort. Ambition and bold commitments from our governments in Paris will be rewarded by innovation and investment from businesses. We all are now very aware of what a connected world we live in – connected to each other and to the earth that gives us everything we have. We need all countries and companies to step up and play their part – setting strong goals, having clear plans, and openly demonstrating progress.
What action do you think business can take to help political leaders toward bold climate action in Paris? What are you doing in your company to bring us closer to a net-zero GHG economy? Enter the conversation on LinkedIn and let us know.
Let’s turn risk into opportunity. Join us in calling on world leaders to commit to #Zeroby2050.