Davos 2015 - Better Growth, Better Climate The Challenge for 2015

TL;DR

The panel discusses the challenge of achieving better growth through climate change action and the importance of the upcoming year in the political calendar.

Transcript

okay well uh good morning everyone and welcome to this uh this press briefing entitled better growth better climate the challenge for 2015. um we thought we'd follow up the opening presentation by and the honourable al gore in the plenary of davos 2015 early this morning with a more detailed conversation to look at the better growth challenge aroun... Read More

Key Insights

• 😘 There is a consensus among the panel that the transformation to a low-carbon economy is necessary and feasible, with technology and declining energy prices presenting opportunities for change.
• 👨‍💼 Business leaders are increasingly recognizing the importance of taking action on climate change for their own sustainability and profitability.
• 👨‍💼 The role of governments in providing clear targets, a price on carbon, and a level playing field for business is crucial for driving climate action.
• 🪡 The panel emphasizes the interconnectedness of climate action and sustainable development, highlighting the need to address poverty and promote inclusive economic growth alongside climate action.

Questions & Answers

Q: What core messages does Al Gore want to convey about the climate challenge in 2015?

Al Gore emphasizes the importance of building public will for an agreement on climate action and highlights the significant support for such an agreement globally. He also stresses the need to decarbonize our civilization and the growing evidence that renewable energy is becoming more cost-effective than fossil fuels.

Q: What are the three systems that need to be changed to achieve better growth and better climate?

According to Felipe Calderon, the three systems that need to be changed are the energy system, the system of cities, and the system of land use. Decarbonizing the energy system, redesigning cities for better transportation options, and promoting sustainable land use are key to achieving better growth and better climate.

Q: What is the role of business leaders in tackling climate change?

Paul Polman highlights that business leaders have a crucial role to play as they are responsible for a significant portion of global GDP, capital flow, and job creation. He emphasizes that addressing climate change is not only a business agenda but also a development agenda, as poor people are most affected by climate change. He also points out that taking climate action can have direct benefits for businesses, such as lower costs of capital and increased profitability.

Q: What is the timeframe for taking action on climate change, according to Lord Stern?

Lord Stern states that the decisions made in the next 20 years will shape the next 100 years and beyond. He highlights the urgent need for action, as poor people are already suffering from the impacts of climate change, and delaying action will make the situation worse. He emphasizes that sustainable development and poverty reduction are closely linked to climate action.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The panel discusses the need for a transformation to a low-carbon economy and the economics of this change.

• They highlight the importance of the upcoming United Nations agreement in Paris and the need to build public will for climate action.

• The panel also emphasizes the role of technology, investment in infrastructure, and the efficiency of natural resources in driving economic growth and tackling climate change.