Former Irish president and UN human rights chief Mary Robinson has called on business leaders to be bold and push for a phase-out of fossil fuels at the upcoming COP28 climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland. She said that the private sector has a crucial role to play in accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy and ensuring that it is fair and inclusive.
Business as a force for good
Robinson, who is the chair of The Elders, a group of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela, said that business can be a force for good in tackling the climate crisis, but only if it aligns its actions with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. She said that business leaders should use their influence to lobby governments to raise their ambition and implement policies that support a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also urged businesses to adopt science-based targets to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, disclose their climate risks and opportunities, and divest from fossil fuels. She said that these steps would not only benefit the environment, but also enhance their competitiveness, innovation, and resilience.
A just transition
Robinson stressed that the transition to a low-carbon economy must be just and equitable, leaving no one behind. She said that businesses should respect human rights and ensure that workers and communities affected by the shift away from fossil fuels are provided with adequate social protection, skills training, and alternative livelihoods. She also called for greater inclusion and participation of women, youth, indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups in decision-making processes related to climate action.
She said that businesses should support the call for a global solidarity fund to help developing countries cope with the impacts of climate change and finance their low-carbon development. She said that this would demonstrate their commitment to global justice and solidarity, as well as their recognition of the historical responsibility of developed countries for causing the climate crisis.
A critical moment
Robinson said that COP28, which will take place from November 6 to 17, 2023, is a critical moment for the world to act on climate change. She said that the summit will test the credibility and effectiveness of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels.
She said that the current pledges made by countries under the Paris Agreement are far from sufficient to achieve this goal, and that there is an urgent need for more ambitious and concrete actions. She said that business leaders have an opportunity and a responsibility to show leadership and courage in this regard, and to inspire others to follow suit.
She said that The Elders will continue to advocate for a fair and ambitious outcome at COP28, and to support the efforts of civil society, youth movements, and other stakeholders who are demanding urgent climate action. She said that she hopes that COP28 will mark a turning point in the global response to the climate crisis, and pave the way for a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for all.
