To address the climate crisis, business leaders must take action that aligns with the latest climate science. Practically, we need concrete, realistic plans by 2020 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent over the next decade. By working closely with government, business leaders can create a positive ambition loop where both actors share a common goal and push each other towards a more sustainable future.
In September, the UN Secretary-General will convene chief executives, Heads of State, leaders from the UN and civil society to drive greater ambition for a 1.5°C future. Assembled by the UN Global Compact in cooperation with UN partners, the forum will provide a platform for the private sector to demonstrate climate change actions and solutions and progress underway and foster public-private partnerships.
In Kenya, The National Climate Change Action Plan (2018-2022) is our blueprint for implementing Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. The government has prioritised response to climate change, by implementing its NDCs commitment to a 30 per cent reduction of GHGs by 2030.
NCCAP recognises the private sector’s role in the development, mainstreaming and implementation of priority climate change actions including adaptation and mitigation. In this regard, the government should then offer incentives to the private sector to increase investments for reducing the effects of climate change.
Companies are called to action to set verifiable science-based targets through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which independently assesses corporate emissions reduction targets against scientific best practice.
Aligning business models with the latest science is not only the right thing to do, but it is also smart and profitable. Businesses that are seizing the opportunities in the green economy are growing and thriving.
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