Global Compact Network France Highlights Private Sector Role in Climate Justice at COP21
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Paris, France
The following is an article submitted by a Global Compact Local Network. Please contact the network representative listed below with any questions regarding its contents.
(Paris, 22 December 2015) -- COP 21 in Paris was a major opportunity for businesses to take bold commitments and action on climate. On 10 December, Global Compact Network France organized a conference on businesses and climate justice, to discuss the role business can play in tackling the adverse human rights impacts of climate change.
Moderated by Mary Robinson, President of the Mary Robinson Foundation, this session highlighted the social and economic consequences of climate change and how companies can work with civil society to recognize and alleviate them. The panel was composed of corporate representatives of Suez Environnement and Sanofi, UNHCR and the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre.
As climate change accelerates, natural disasters will be more frequent and with them, conflicts around resources or land, diseases, refugees and human trafficking. The event focused on the growing need for “informed projects” – more aware of their impact on climate, as well as on populations – and the role companies play by working with every actor in their supply chain and building partnerships in high-risk areas to improve local resilience. Participants agreed that while the impact can be positive, businesses need to show more responsibility, transparency and innovation, and that collaboration with UN agencies, civil society, the financial sector and academics is essential to building the future we want.
Mary Robinson, President of the Mary Robinson Foundation, speaking at event on social and economic consequences of climate change at COP21.
- Learn more about practical actions taken by the corporate sector here
- See pictures from the event on Flickr
- Learn more about Global Compact Local Network France
Contact
Charlotte Frérot
Secretary General
Global Compact Network France
charlotte.frerot@globalcompact-france.org