Businesses and investors have a critical role to play in accelerating urgent climate action and driving progress towards meeting the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Global Compact Network Australia (GCNA) will host an ‘in conversation’ breakfast to explore and identify the pathways to a low-carbon and resilient economy and highlight why a ‘just transition’ is gaining momentum and rising up the agenda of investors and policy makers.
The Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has identified 1.47 billion jobs globally in sectors critical to climate stability. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has estimated that action to meet the Paris Agreement will create 24 million jobs in clean energy generation, electric vehicles and energy efficiency.
If the period of transition is poorly coordinated, this could increase the risk of ‘stranded workers,’ ‘stranded communities’ and ‘stranded assets.’ Businesses, civil society, academic institutions and governments, will need to plan ahead and develop and implement coherent measures that support fundamental shifts to the ways in which we live and work. These pathways need to be compatible with limiting global warming to well below 2° C and aligned with the 17 SDGs.
The conversation, facilitated by Sasha Courville, Chair of Environment for the GCNA, will explore the following key questions:
- What is the rationale for investors in considering the social dimensions of the low-carbon transition and how can they best support it?
- What does a climate resilient economy look like and what is the role of business?
- What is needed from regulators and policy makers to promote a just transition?
- What is the role of unions and how they can best work with business, investor groups and communities to ensure that no one is left behind as we transition to a decarbonised economy?
We hope the discussion will be as interactive as possible, and we will encourage participation from the audience. The event will be held under the Chatham House rule.
Speakers:
- Nicole Bradford, Head of Responsible Investment – Cbus Super Fund
- Peter Colley, National Research Director – Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
- Javier Blanco Fernandez, Country Manager, Enel
Note: This event is now SOLD OUT. Please email the GCNA at secretariat@unglobalcompact.org.au to be placed on the waiting list.
