Leading Climate Action is the theme of the annual Climate Change & Business Conference, reflecting the role both business and government must play.
Delivered in partnership between the Environmental Defence Society, the Sustainable Business Council and Climate Leaders Coalition, the long-standing conference celebrates its 16th anniversary this year and, the organisers say, will bring together hundreds of delegates for two days in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on 9-10 September.
Executive director of the Sustainable Business Council, Mike Burrell, says the conference focus reflects the point we are currently at in New Zealand.
“We tend to talk a lot about governments, but businesses and non-state actors are also central to the real, transformative change that happens in our society…
“We tend to talk a lot about governments, but businesses and non-state actors are also central to the real, transformative change that happens in our society. All three must show leadership and look for opportunities to work together.
“With the inquiry into climate adaptation announced in May and the second emissions reduction plan being released soon, this is a year that matters.”
The two-day event includes speakers and delegates representing business, government, policy makers, NGOs, academics, media and scientists, as well as several international speakers, such as:
o Sue Lloyd, Vice-Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board.
o Joelle Gergis, award-winning Australian climate scientist and writer.
o Mirja Viinanen, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer for IKEA Australia.
Gary Taylor, chief executive of the Environmental Defence Society says that incorporating voices from overseas into the conference programme “will ensure the kōrero remains connected to the global context. By drawing on the best leadership internationally, we will be better placed to develop our own policy responses that will resonate with our communities and our unique cultural context”.
“Against a backdrop of increasing conflict, we are actually seeing countries come together and, in many cases, adapt much faster than we are. Many are making significant commitments across the big pillars of industrial and commercial energy use, transport and agriculture.”
Climate Leaders Coalition Steering Group convenor and Spark CEO Jolie Hodson commented on the need for the business community to remain united in its focus on climate change.
“In many instances the pursuit of productivity and sustainability are two sides of the same coin…
“The business community is dealing with many pressures right now, as we adapt and respond to an inflationary and recessionary environment. But we know we don’t have the luxury of hitting pause on our climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, and in many instances the pursuit of productivity and sustainability are two sides of the same coin.”
The 2024 programme will include more than 30 different breakout sessions, workshops, panels and masterclasses on topics such as:
- Driving down emissions.
- Building resilience.
- Ensuring a just transition.
- International impact.
The Conference organisers note they will again be delivering a sustainable event which “walks the talk on climate action”.
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