Climate change not only can businesses, but also create jobs, improve public health and above all protect the environment, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon recently stated.
“There is perhaps no greater threat to the global community than that of climate change. It represents a clear danger to us all here and now, and in years to come,” Mr Ban said in a statement.
“Climate change is the single greatest threat to development, and can undermine the progress already achieved in reducing poverty. It is a risk to economies large and small, and to the stability of the global financial system. It raises risks of diminished supplies in much of the world.” he said.
He continued to state the projected effects of climate change could have in the not too distant future; with a two degrees Celsius warming by the end of the century; when the effects are believed to become the most hazardous to date.
“This is deeply disturbing. Yet too often, one important fact gets lost amid the fear: addressing climate change is also one of our greatest opportunities,” he continued.
Mr Ban believes addressing climate change is the right thing to do, and that businesses can benefit from changing the way and type of energy they use. He claims that businesses can benefit from reducing greenhouse gases and using cleaner and efficient energy.
“The growth of renewable energy markets has brought technology improvements and cost reductions that mean projects can generate attractive returns.
“Investors are opening new markets, facilitating new business models and supporting entrepreneurs in the developing world where demand for sustainable energy for all is greatest.”
Mr Ban suggested renewable energy would not only fight climate change but help less developed countries. He states that around 40 per cent of the world’s population still relies on wood, charcoal, animal and crop waste or other solid fuels for cooking and heating.
That statement comes in the lead up to next year’s Climate Summit in September, where world leaders and leaders from business and civil society will come together to deliver new concrete commitments to climate change.
“I am calling on everyone to be a leader on climate change. Take decisive action while we still can. It’s good for the planet and good for business,” Mr Ban added.
“The sooner we act, the more we all will benefit.”
