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Climate, Energy and the Environment
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USCIB believes that environmental improvement and economic growth can, and indeed must, go hand in hand. Because of our unique positioning in the global policy making sphere, we are poised to put that belief to the test in a broad array of areas related to climate, energy policy and other environmental concerns.
What Next After Copenhagen?
For American business, reaching a clear, ambitious, inclusive and legally binding global agreement on climate change is a critical economic and environmental priority. While the UN’s Copenhagen summit provided a basis for further work, much remains to be done to deliver the clarity, flexibility
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and enabling frameworks that business has long advocated. At the same time, investments in new technology and energy resources are crucial to meet the climate challenge and future energy demand. USCIB and the International Chamber of Commerce, which coordinated industry representation in Copenhagen, were very active at the summit, holding daily business briefings, and hosting a U.S. industry reception focused on the key trade elements of a global climate agreement. USCIB joined ICC in calling on governments to focus on economic and technological priorities throughout 2010. We will also focus on activity in smaller groupings like the G20 and Major Economies Forum, which may prove less unwieldy than the UN process.
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Prudent Production and Consumption Policies
USCIB provided ongoing input to the UN’s work on a Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, with the goal of ensuring that outcomes do not impede the development of products that improve quality of life. At 2009’s International Conference on Chemicals Management, participants agreed to actions on lead in paint, hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products, and nanomaterials. In each case, governments and other participants, including the private sector, have been charged with carrying out specific agreed actions. USCIB members have been most active in working on issues surrounding chemicals in products. The goal of this project to ensure that all stakeholders have adequate access to information on chemicals in products throughout their lifecycle.
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USCIB’s Norine Kennedy and Nick Campbell of Arkema lead a business briefing at the Copenhagen climate summit.
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