Smarter Policy. Stronger Economy. Better Europe.
We Mean Business
The climate has changed.
The members of the We Mean Business coalition work with thousands of businesses – representing a market value of at least EUR 4.33 trillion in Europe alone.
These companies recognize that robust climate policy will help deliver a better future that rests on improved energy independence, low-carbon economic development and greater competitiveness, jobs and growth for Europe.
In our joint statement, we therefore ask European leaders to give business a binding commitment to achieve, by 2030:
- At least 40% or greater reductions in Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions
- At least 30% share of energy from renewable sources
- At least 30% savings from energy efficiency
Business is ready, let’s act now.
These baselines reflect a growing consensus amongst leading European companies that robust climate policy is good for business:
- On 20th October, 2014, The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group issued a letter to European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, calling for the EU to set a target of at least 40% GHG emissions reductions (50% with comparable international action), and at least 30% binding European targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2030.
- On 14th October, 2014, 11 companies including IKEA, Unilever and Philips issued a joint declaration calling for even more ambitious targets of GHG emissions reductions well beyond the proposed 40% as well as binding targets of at least 40% for renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2030.
- On 6th October, 2014, an open letter of 57 companies, funds and associations asked European Heads of State to agree to robust climate change and energy policy, including structural reform to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.
- CDP’s most recent briefing paper Investment and Growth from Climate Action illustrate that 92% of Euro 300 companies reporting with CDP see climate regulation as a business opportunity and 98% are actively investing in climate action.
Companies need policy frameworks to help them thrive and build a prosperous low-carbon future. Over the coming months, We Mean Business will continue to amplify their voice and bring a clear business position on climate change to policy makers.
For further information, please contact: [email protected]