Local businesses unite in call for climate action

ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO, will announce this Saturday that over 2,000 chambers of commerce — representing millions of businesses worldwide — have joined the Chambers Climate Coalition.

This unprecedented mobilisation of local business leaders — on the eve of the United Nations (UN) Climate Action Summit — demonstrates what ICC terms a “tipping point” in support of action to address the growing climate emergency.

Mr Denton is scheduled to announce the groundswell of support for the Coalition at UN headquarters as part of an official programme of events on the eve of the UN Secretary General’s landmark climate summit.

Ahead of the announcement, Mr Denton said:

“The Coalition’s unprecedented mobilisation of local business leaders brings us to a tipping point that puts those seeking to delay the necessary action firmly on the sidelines. Together we are sending a signal to governments that ambitious action on climate and an affordable energy transition are both necessary and achievable. 

“Businesses throughout our network are already facing up to the growing effects of climate change. The grassroots message from our Coalition is clear: we can’t wait any longer for bold action on climate. It’s time to make climate action everyone’s business.”

Since launching at the 11th World Chambers Congress in Rio de Janeiro in June, the Chambers Climate Coalition has attracted support from a diverse range of chamber leaders around the world. Signatories include chambers from six continents, including those in Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Israel Nigeria, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, Tuvalu and the United Kingdom.

Paul Polman, ICC Chair and co-founder of IMAGINE said:

“The collective commitment of the Chambers Climate Coalition to greater climate ambition is a clear indication of the growing grassroots demand for bold action to win the climate war. World leaders must find the courage to respond squarely to this call to action.”

The Chambers Climate Coalition is the first initiative of its kind to meaningfully engage chambers of commerce in the fight against the climate breakdown – with commitments to advocate for climate action aligned with 1.5*C and net-zero targets and providing support services for local companies.

To find out more about the Chamber Climate Coalition visit: chambers4climate.iccwbo.org.

Listen to Andrew Wilson, ICC’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, discuss the Chambers Climate Coalition.

Listen now on Spotify | Apple Podcasts