ICC hails progress at UN climate talks

“The Cancun agreement provides a strong signal that governments have heard the private sector’s call for clarity and a framework to tackle climate change,” said ICC Secretary General Jean-Guy Carrier. “I congratulate the Mexican government for its actions throughout the year, particularly Minister of Foreign Affairs Patricia Espinosa for her tireless efforts to foster global cooperation on climate change. The extended standing ovation she received on the last night of negotiations was richly deserved.”

The agreement contains many elements where closer cooperation with the private sector will be needed, including the elaboration of the technology mechanism, financing arrangements such as the “Green Fund” and the development of guidelines for measuring, reporting and verification. ICC also welcomes the decision to strengthen market-based approaches that are so critical to broad cost-effective action for mitigation and adaptation.

As the business and industry focal point for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process, ICC played a leading role throughout the two week conference in Cancun, demonstrating the vital role of business as a source for technological innovation and dissemination, as well as for investments that will enable cleaner energy and development choices while achieving a sustained economic growth.

This culminated in the Cancun Global Business Day where the need for more effective engagement and involvement of business was the key theme.

Moving forward to the next UN climate conference in Durban, ICC will work with governments throughout 2011 to develop recognized, flexible channels to bring business expertise and engagement to the deliberations.