Danisco Signs the Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change

The agreement must establish a global emissions cap and long-term reduction pathway for all greenhouse gas emissions and sources, for the period 2013 to 2050 with interim targets.

9 Sep 2009 --- Danisco has signed the Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change. The Communiqué was initiated by The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change (CLG) in June of 2009. By signing the communiqué, Danisco is now one of many companies that is in support of a low carbon future and progressive regulatory mandates that will eventually impact climate change in a tangible manner.

If the impact of the dramatic climate change is to be mitigated, business must act responsibly and show commitment leading up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP 15 in December – as well as in the years to come. However, for the conference, and more importantly the outcome of the negotiations to be a success, the delegates have to reach an ambitious agreement to lead the way.

’It is critical that the delegates conclude a strong deal in December so that the impact of climate change will not be as extensive as in the worst predictions. I have signed the communiqué which calls for a strong political response and clear guidelines for states and organisations globally. Without clear political objectives and legislative mandates organisations are not likely to go beyond their current business strategies and further drive clean technologies, develop environmentally beneficial products, or increase their operational efficiencies,’ says Tom Knutzen, CEO of Danisco.

The Copenhagen Communiqué is a comprehensive international framework that will facilitate a coordinated response to climate change through the following recommended actions:

The agreement must establish a global emissions cap and long-term reduction pathway for all greenhouse gas emissions and sources, for the period 2013 to 2050 with interim targets.

Developed countries need to take on immediate and deep emission reduction commitments that are much higher than the global average, and which are backed up with credible strategies to de-carbonise their economies.

Developing countries will need to play their part by drawing up their own emission reduction plans in line with their common but differentiated responsibilities and capabilities.

The CLG is also behind the Bali and Poznan Communiqués that have both played an important role in moving international climate negotiations forward.

The CLG’s goal for the Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change is to have pledges from more than 500 businesses representing no less than the 20 largest economies in the world. This will help establish a strong and effective framework for future international climate efforts.