Today, UN Global Compact Network Australia (UNGCNA) launched the inaugural Australian Climate Ambition Accelerator, a six-month program designed to equip Australian companies who are looking to set science-based emissions targets and create a clear path to address their organisation’s transition to net-zero.

The program launch comes as UNGCNA urgently called on Australian business and the Federal Government to set targets to achieve a net-zero future by 2050. This call aligns with the shift in a growing number of businesses and financial institutions moving to align their strategies and operations with the goal of net-zero emissions, not only to avoid a disruptive transition, but to position their businesses for competitive advantage.

Additionally, with investors, clients and broader stakeholders increasingly calling for companies to reduce emissions and set ambitious targets, the Climate Ambition Accelerator program addresses a critical knowledge gap and enables companies of all sizes, sectors, and regions to deliver on meaningful commitments to reduce emissions at scale.

UNGCNA Executive Director Kylie Porter said “The UN Global Compact Network Australia calls on Australian business to act towards a net-zero future by 2050. As our global allies and trade partners advance their efforts to combat climate change, Australia cannot be left behind. We must recognise the role private industries play in influencing sustainable action.”

The path to setting a science-based target can be overwhelming. Working with UNGCNA through the Climate Ambition Accelerator, participating companies will gain access to global best practices, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, capacity building sessions and on-demand e-learning modules.

Porter continues “The Climate Ambition Accelerator is for corporates and SMEs at the start of their sustainability journey. The technology required to reach net zero is already available and the science has spoken. It’s not too late but we must act now, and Australian business has a vital role to play. The Accelerator will enable businesses to move beyond incremental progress on the SDGs, reducing emissions at scale while developing business resilience to enable long-term growth.”

Led by the United Nations Global Compact with support from patrons Ørsted and Natura & Co and sponsored by En+ Group, the Climate Ambition Accelerator aims to scale-up credible climate action.

The Australian track of the Climate Ambition Accelerator will be supported by WSP and the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), and will include a session with Edge Environment, Australia’s largest independent sustainability consultancy, certified B-Corp, and UN Global Compact participant.

Sanda Ojiambo, CEO & Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, said “This is a make-or-break year to confront the climate emergency. Meaningful actions taken by businesses collectively now have the power to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Our Climate Ambition Accelerator enables more companies in our Local Networks to join the transition to a net-zero future and get started in setting ambitious, credible science-based targets.”

Registrations for the program are open to participating companies of the UNGCNA and will run locally from May through October 2022 with registrations now open. If your company is ready to accelerate progress toward achieving net-zero, contact the UN Global Compact Network Australia or apply here.

For all media enquiries including interview opportunities with UNGCNA Executive Director Kylie Porter and/or Head of the Programmes Corinne Schoch please contact:

Anissha Vijayan or Tess McDonald, Thrive PR + Communications.

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